What is One-Pedal Mode?
3 Answers
The so-called one-pedal mode means that the driver can control the acceleration and deceleration of the vehicle with a single accelerator pedal. Pressing the accelerator pedal accelerates the vehicle, while lifting it applies the brakes, with the braking force linearly increasing as the pedal is lifted. Here is an introduction to the one-pedal mode: 1. Principle of One-Pedal Mode: At its core, it comes down to the structural differences of electric vehicles. Since electric vehicles do not have a transmission and rely entirely on the high-speed, high-torque characteristics of the motor to drive the vehicle, this technology is not difficult to implement. Specifically, when the accelerator pedal is released, the regenerative braking system starts working, recovering the vehicle's kinetic energy while reducing speed. This energy recovery is mainly achieved through the drag of the drive motor, which can drive the vehicle forward when rotating in one direction and act as a generator to store energy when rotating in the opposite direction. 2. Advantages of One-Pedal Mode: First, it provides better energy recovery, increasing the driving range; second, it improves driving comfort in urban traffic congestion. Both of these align with the S01's positioning as an urban commuter vehicle.
I've been driving an electric car for almost three years now, and the one-pedal mode has completely transformed my driving habits. Simply put, it uses the accelerator pedal to control both acceleration and deceleration—pressing down speeds you up, while gently lifting off feels like lightly applying the brakes to slow down. At its core, it relies on the motor's energy recovery system, converting kinetic energy during deceleration back into electricity stored in the battery. It's especially handy in city traffic jams, as you rarely need to switch to the brake pedal, reducing fatigue in your ankles. However, it takes some getting used to, especially for those transitioning from gas-powered cars—the initial drag sensation when lifting off the accelerator can make you lean forward involuntarily. I recommend beginners practice on quiet streets first before taking it to main roads. Oh, and remember: for sharp turns or emergencies, you should still use the brake pedal—don't rely too much on this feature.
The single-pedal mode is actually a unique driving logic for electric vehicles, essentially integrating the braking function into the accelerator pedal. When engineers designed this system, they primarily considered two points: first, to maximize the recovery of deceleration energy to extend range, and second, to simplify driving operations. When you release the accelerator, the vehicle doesn't coast like a traditional fuel car but immediately activates strong regenerative braking to generate deceleration force. I conducted a comparative test: on urban roads with frequent stops and starts, using single-pedal mode can recover about 15% more energy than normal mode. However, it's important to note that regenerative braking force decreases when the battery temperature is low in winter, and abruptly releasing the accelerator on slippery roads may also affect stability.
