In order to further improve the energy efficiency of electric vehicles, thus to improve the driving range economy, a braking energy recovery system for electric vehicles with simple structure, high reliability and fail-safe function was developed. Meanwhile, considering performance parameters of motor and battery, the efficient regenerative braking control strategy with strong portability was developed. Based on the proposed system and control strategy, hardware-in-loop tests were accomplished. Test results showed that friction braking force and regenerative braking force could be well integrated and braking energy recovery efficiency was high. Finally, experimental data of a FCV on CYC Japan-1015 proved the performance and feasibility of the proposed system. Braking energy recovery efficiency reached to 59.15%.