That's a bit disingenuous to change the standard of comparison. I'm talking about terms of absolute use of energy. You've turned it into a comparison between friction brakes and regenerative EMF recovery of energy. Apples and oranges. You still have a net loss relative to the initial energy input to move the car. The losses are reduced, but not eliminated.
--That's a bit disingenuous to change the standard of comparison.--
No. You stated that one must EXPEND energy to come to a stop. I showed you that one can RECOVER energy in coming to a stop.