Conventional fuel-powered cars come with three pedals (with manual transmission) and two pedals (with automatic transmission).
Electric cars also come with two pedals, but a major difference between automatic fuel-powered cars & electric cars is that in the latter, you can actually drive with just one-pedal! This functionality, known as ‘one-pedal driving’ is possible due to regenerative braking in EVs.
In this blog, EVJoints dives deep into one pedal driving and how EVs are changing the way we drive.
What is regenerative braking?
Before we talk about one-pedal driving, we need to understand what regenerative braking is.
Regenerative braking is a key part of modern electric car braking systems, allowing them to recover energy during deceleration & braking, which would otherwise be lost as heat in conventional vehicles. By converting the vehicle’s kinetic energy into electrical energy and storing it in the battery, regenerative braking enhances efficiency and increases the overall range of electric cars.
Regenerative braking is the foundation of one-pedal driving.
What is One Pedal Driving?
One-Pedal Driving (OPD) allows electric car drivers the ability to stop and go using only the accelerator pedal.
One-pedal driving is possible due to the regenerative braking systems in EVs. This tech captures the kinetic energy typically lost as heat during traditional braking and converts it back into electrical energy to recharge the battery. This process not only extends the car’s range but also enables the seamless, intuitive control that defines one-pedal driving, where the driver can accelerate and decelerate using just the accelerator pedal.
How One Pedal Driving Works in Electric Cars?
To use one-pedal driving, first turn the feature on, which may vary by car but is usually controlled by a button near the gearshift or through the drive mode settings.
Press the accelerator to drive as usual. To slow down gradually, lift your foot while slowly removing pressure from the accelerator, allowing the vehicle to coast. To slow quickly, lift your foot more. And then, to bring the vehicle to a full stop, ease the pressure on the accelerator pedal completely. During this regenerative phase, the magnetic resistance of the electric motor increases and creates a braking force. This added friction in the drivetrain slows the vehicle down. One-pedal drive allows a driver to bring a vehicle to a full stop without using the brake pedal. The brake pedal still works, so use that for an urgent stop, especially to come to a complete stop. To resume accelerating, press the pedal again.
When a driver anticipates a stop ahead due to a traffic light or a traffic jam, he/she can ease their foot off the accelerator pedal. The vehicle will begin to decelerate, gradually slowing the car compared to the typical application of the hydraulic brakes. Once the vehicle stops entirely, the hydraulic brakes engage to keep the vehicle at a full stop until the driver presses the accelerator pedal to move forward again.
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When using one-pedal driving, the brake lights will function as if the driver is using the traditional hydraulic brakes. The brake lights illuminate when the accelerator pedal is released, making drivers behind the car aware that it is slowing down.
What are the benefits of One Pedal Driving?
One-pedal driving offers several advantages. The most obvious is extending the EV’s range when used consistently. Additionally, using one-pedal driving extends the life of the car’s brake. Since the driver applies the standard hydraulic brakes less often, there is less wear and tear. One-pedal driving is convenient. Keeping your foot on one pedal is more easy-to-use than two pedals. Once you’re comfortable with one-pedal driving, it is simply a more relaxed way to travel.
Also, regenerative braking & ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) can be combined to enhance safety & efficiency in electric cars. Auto Regen (or Automatic regenerative braking) refers to a feature in premium electric cars that automatically adjusts the level of regenerative braking based on factors such as road incline, speed & distance from other vehicles on road.
Practising one-pedal driving
One-pedal driving requires some practice & experience. It involves the gentle release of the accelerator pedal to result in a smooth and progressive stop. The driver must also get used to judging distances and correctly timing the pedal’s release to bring the vehicle to a complete stop in a safe manner.
If an emergency stop is needed during one-pedal driving, the driver can use the standard hydraulic brakes. No matter the driving mode, the driver can always apply the standard brakes to bring the vehicle to a stop. One-pedal driving is a convenience feature that the driver can override at any time.
Which electric cars in India come with one pedal driving?
Hyundai introduced one-pedal driving in India with the Kona Electric. At present, many electric cars come with one-pedal driving functionality including Mahindra XEV 9e, Mahindra BE 6, Tata Nexon EV, Hyundai Creta Electric, Hyundai IONIQ 5, Kia EV6 and all electric cars from Audi, BMW, Mercedes & Volvo.
Conclusion:
A growing number of electric car manufacturers are making the one-pedal drive functionality available through the car’s regenerative braking systems. As more EVs hit the market, one-pedal driving will become a standard feature that drivers will appreciate for its ease & efficiency. When using one pedal driving, take your time, as practice makes perfect.
For more insights on EVs & EV charging, visit EVGuide by EVJoints.
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