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One thing to keep in mind is that an electric motor can also act as a generator of power if its shaft is turned and power is disconnected from its terminals. When an electric motor is used as a generator or dynamo, power is needed to turn the shaft. This is the opposite of a motor which runs while being powered. When you short a motors terminals, there is very little resistance to opposing the motor generating power. The speed control takes advantage of this characteristic of electric motors. The speed control rapidly disconnects power to the motor, shorts the motor terminals, and the motor acts as a generator. While its acting as a generator in this mode, it dissipates power and acts like a brake since the terminals are shorted.
To get a mental picture of this concept, run your xmods car at a reasonable speed with the car off the ground and let it coast to a stop. Then run the car at the same speed this time stop with the brakes while keeping the above concept in mind.
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