DuelsLeaderboardGarageBlogCarsGlossaryBrowse

One-Pedal Driving

Car culture term

What is One-Pedal Driving?

An EV driving mode where lifting off the accelerator triggers strong regenerative braking, letting the car slow and stop without the brake pedal.

One-pedal driving is a feature of many electric and some hybrid vehicles in which strong regenerative braking is applied as soon as the driver lifts off the accelerator. With enough lift-off braking, the car can slow to a complete stop using only the accelerator pedal, hence the name.

The effect comes from the electric motor acting as a generator during deceleration, converting the car's momentum back into electricity to recharge the battery. This both extends range and reduces wear on the friction brakes, since the conventional brakes are used far less often.

Drivers often find one-pedal driving relaxing and efficient once accustomed to it, as it allows smooth modulation of speed with a single pedal. Most cars let you adjust regen strength, and the friction brakes remain available for hard or emergency stops.

Related terms

Regenerative brakingDC Fast ChargingLFP Battery800V ArchitectureSkateboard Platform

Frequently asked questions

What is one-pedal driving?
It is an EV mode where lifting off the accelerator applies strong regenerative braking, letting you slow and stop without the brake pedal.
Does one-pedal driving save the brakes?
Yes, because regenerative braking does most of the slowing, the friction brakes are used far less and wear more slowly.
Does one-pedal driving improve range?
It helps, since regenerative braking recovers energy back into the battery rather than wasting it as heat in the brakes.
Can you still use the brake pedal?
Yes, the normal friction brakes remain fully available for hard stops or emergencies, and most cars let you adjust regen strength.
Is one-pedal driving hard to learn?
Most drivers adapt quickly and find it smooth and relaxing once they get used to modulating speed with one pedal.
Back to Glossary