VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING RETARDATION ENERGY OF A VEHICLE

A speed control system to control retardation energy of a vehicle and a method of controlling retardation energy of a vehicle are provided. The system includes an energy storage device configured to absorb and store the retardation energy of the vehicle. The energy storage device includes a power absorption limit determined at least partially by a temperature and a state of charge of the energy storage device. The system further includes a non-energy-storing retarder configured to absorb the retardation energy of the vehicle and a controller configured to route the retardation energy to the energy storage device up to the power absorption limit and route a remaining portion of the retardation energy to the non-energy-storing retarder.