What does One-Pedal Driving mean?

Explanation

One-pedal driving is a mode available on many EVs where regenerative braking is set to its maximum level. When you lift your foot off the accelerator, the car decelerates strongly enough to bring it to a complete stop without touching the brake pedal. You control your speed entirely with one pedal, pressing to go and releasing to slow down.

This takes some getting used to, but many EV drivers grow to love it. In city driving with frequent stops and starts, one-pedal driving feels intuitive and relaxing once you learn the pedal feel. It also maximizes energy recovery through regenerative braking, which can meaningfully extend your range in stop-and-go traffic.

Not all EVs offer true one-pedal driving (coming to a complete stop). Some only offer strong regen that slows the car significantly but still requires the brake pedal for the final stop. Check your car's settings, as one-pedal driving is usually an option you enable, not the default. The brake lights activate automatically during strong regen so drivers behind you know you are slowing down.

This standard is maintained by U.S. Department of Energy AFDC.

Where you'll see this

• On your car dashboard

Common confusion

One-pedal driving does not mean you never need the brake pedal. You should always use the brake in emergencies, at traffic lights where you need to hold position, and in situations requiring sudden stops. One-pedal driving is for normal deceleration.

Example

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