What is one-pedal driving in an electric car?
By Nina · Updated 2026-03-29
One-pedal driving is one of the best things about electric cars, and one of the first things new EV drivers notice. Lift your foot off the accelerator and the car slows down. Press it and you speed up. One pedal does both. Once you get used to it, driving a petrol car feels like the brakes are broken.
How it works
When you lift off the accelerator, the electric motor reverses its role. Instead of turning battery power into motion, it turns motion back into battery power. This is called regenerative braking. The resistance from the motor acting as a generator is what slows the car down.
In strong one-pedal mode, like what you see in the video with the Polestar 2, the car can come to a complete stop without you ever touching the brake pedal. This is sometimes called "Hold" mode. Some EVs also offer a "Creep" setting, where the car rolls forward slowly at a standstill, similar to an automatic petrol car with your foot off the brake. In lighter regen settings, the car coasts more and you still need the brake for the final stop.
Does it actually save energy?
Yes, especially in city driving. Every time you slow down, energy that would be lost as heat in the brake pads is captured and sent back to the battery. In stop-and-go traffic, one-pedal driving can recover enough energy to add roughly 5-15% more range compared to using the friction brakes. On the motorway at constant speed, there is less braking, so the benefit is smaller.
Which electric cars have it?
Almost all of them. Tesla, Polestar, BMW, Hyundai, Kia, Volkswagen, Mercedes, Volvo, and most other brands offer one-pedal driving or adjustable regenerative braking. The names and settings vary by manufacturer and model. Check your car's manual for how to enable or adjust regenerative braking in your specific vehicle.
Tips for getting started
- Start in a quiet car park. Practice lifting off the accelerator gradually to feel how strongly the car decelerates.
- Smooth inputs matter. The key to comfortable one-pedal driving is gradual changes. Sudden foot movements make the car jerk.
- You can always use the brake pedal. One-pedal driving does not disable the brakes. If you need to stop faster, press the brake as normal.
Regenerative braking behavior varies by vehicle, software version, temperature, and battery charge level. Always follow your car manufacturer's instructions and keep your attention on the road. In slippery conditions, reduced traction may affect braking performance regardless of mode.
Nina, co-founder and Polestar 2 driver in Finland
I drive a Polestar 2 year-round in Finland, including through -20°C winters. One-pedal mode works the same in every condition. The biggest adjustment is going back to a petrol rental car and expecting it to slow down when you lift off the gas. It does not.
EVcourse app provides instant troubleshooting and expert explanations at the charger. Scan any station or car screen for step-by-step help, free to start on iOS.
Common questions about one-pedal driving
What is one-pedal driving in an electric car?
One-pedal driving is a mode where lifting your foot off the accelerator causes the car to slow down strongly through regenerative braking. You can speed up and slow down using just the accelerator pedal, without touching the brake. The motor acts as a generator when you decelerate, converting kinetic energy back into battery charge.
Does one-pedal driving charge the battery?
Yes. When you lift off the accelerator in one-pedal mode, the electric motor runs in reverse as a generator. This converts your car's momentum into electricity, which flows back into the battery. The amount recovered depends on your speed, how quickly you decelerate, and the battery's current charge level. It typically adds 5-15% more range in city driving.
Can you turn off one-pedal driving?
Yes. Most electric cars let you adjust regenerative braking strength or turn off one-pedal mode entirely. In a Polestar 2, you can switch between one-pedal mode and coast mode in the infotainment settings. Some cars like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 let you adjust regen strength with paddle shifters behind the steering wheel.
EVcourse is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Polestar, Tesla, BMW, Hyundai, Kia, Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, or Volvo. All brand names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Information on this page is for educational purposes only and may not reflect the latest software updates or model changes. Always consult your vehicle's manual for specific instructions.