Why does Tesla stop when the accelerator is released?

[DelAmara]

Tesla stops when the accelerator is released because it uses a one-pedal driving mode. Here are the relevant details: 1. One-pedal driving mode: This mode refers to the ability of a single accelerator pedal to control both acceleration and deceleration based on the driver's input. Pressing down accelerates the vehicle, while releasing it decelerates. With sufficient practice, the driver can perform operations such as starting, coasting, and coming to a complete stop by adjusting the pressure on this single pedal. 2. Important notes: The one-pedal mode does not mean that Tesla vehicles actually have only one pedal, nor does it imply the absence of a braking function. While the one-pedal mode is sufficient for most acceleration and deceleration operations under normal driving conditions, the brake pedal is still necessary for emergency braking situations.

[Tonya]

When driving a Tesla, releasing the accelerator pedal makes the car automatically decelerate and sometimes come to a stop, which is primarily due to the regenerative braking technology. Simply put, when you lift your foot off the accelerator, the motor stops propelling the car forward and instead operates in reverse as a generator, converting the kinetic energy from the wheels back into electrical energy stored in the battery. This design is quite clever—it not only recaptures energy to extend the driving range but also reduces reliance on traditional friction brakes. Initially, I wasn’t used to it and found the deceleration too abrupt, but after adapting, I realized it’s incredibly convenient in urban traffic, allowing near-single-pedal driving. However, beginners should be cautious not to release the pedal too abruptly and startle drivers behind them. This feature enhances driving efficiency but requires attention to road conditions, as deceleration is more pronounced on wet or slippery surfaces to avoid skidding. Overall, it’s one of Tesla’s standout advantages, worth practicing to master.

[VonMatteo]

Having driven a new energy vehicle for several years, I'm quite familiar with Tesla's deceleration mechanism when lifting off the accelerator. The core lies in its regenerative braking system at work: when you release the pedal, the electric motor switches modes to act as a generator, capturing deceleration energy to recharge the battery—a process that naturally generates braking force. Compared to traditional fuel vehicles coasting in neutral and wasting energy, Tesla's design enhances efficiency, recovering more kinetic energy to extend range significantly. In daily driving, you can decelerate or come to a complete stop without touching the brake pedal, making stop-and-go traffic much easier. However, beginners need time to adapt their pedal control to avoid abrupt deceleration affecting comfort. Long-term use results in drastically reduced brake pad wear, simplifying maintenance. Safety-wise, the system's quick response helps prevent rear-end collisions, but constant awareness of changing road conditions remains essential.

[EthanMarie]

The deceleration feeling when lifting off the accelerator in Teslas is super cool, originating from the regenerative braking design. When you release the pedal, the motor reverses to charge the battery while providing braking force. This is more efficient than gasoline cars, as internal combustion engine vehicles can't recover energy during coasting. New drivers might need time to adapt, practicing gradual pedal release from light to deep. The system can also adjust deceleration intensity via software, such as recovering more electricity on slopes. Benefits include extended range and reduced need for frequent braking in daily driving. Simply put, it makes driving smoother and more economical.