If you drive an electric vehicle (EV) or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), you’ll likely be able to utilize one pedal driving, which means that you’ll be able to stop and go using only the accelerator. You’ll barely have to use the hydraulic brake pedal at all (except in emergencies of course).

Electric vehicles

and PHEVs are able to use one pedal driving due to the revolutionary technology of regenerative braking.

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Regenerative braking, explained

This technology allows one pedal driving to happen, so here’s how it works:

Your electric vehicle’s forward motion (acceleration) generates kinetic energy

The vehicle’s motor takes that energy and converts it into electricity

When the vehicle brakes, this stored electricity is used to recharge the battery at the same time

During regeneration, the vehicle’s magnetic resistance increases, thus creating braking force

The increased friction in the drivetrain slows the car to a stop

How one pedal driving works

This cool little feature works just like it sounds—you use the accelerator to both accelerate and to stop the car. Only use this feature when the traffic is light or non-existent, as you’ll need some distance and a bit of time to safely stop as you ease your foot off the gas and allow the car to brake.

Most PHEVs and EVs have a push button that turns the one pedal driving feature on and off. Here are the mechanics of what happens when you turn on one pedal driving in electric cars:

As you ease off the gas, the vehicle will brake with the approximate force of 0.2g, which is roughly equivalent to 20% of the full braking force

The car will naturally slow down as if you’re applying the brake pedal

Once fully stopped, the vehicle’s hydraulic brakes kick in to keep the car stopped—just hit the gas again when you’re ready to accelerate

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Getting used to one pedal driving

Becoming familiar with one pedal driving requires practice and time. You’ll need to get accustomed to judging whether you have enough distance and time to ease off the gas and let the car brake on its own. You’ll need to release the pedal at the right time to ensure you slow down and stop safely.

When in one pedal drive mode, your brake lights will light up when you take your foot off the gas.

Key Takeaway You’ll need practice and patience in order to master one pedal driving, so take it slow and only use this mode when there’s light or no traffic.

MORE:

Affordable electric cars that fit your budget

Use hydraulic braking system in an emergency

In an emergency, always use the hydraulic brake system if you need to stop quickly, even if you’re in one pedal driving mode. You can override the one pedal driving mode with the hydraulic braking system at any time.

During an emergency, you won’t have time to ease off the gas and let the one pedal braking system slow you down—use the hydraulic brakes to stop quickly. Knowing when to use your standard brakes can save your life.

MORE:

How to get a hybrid or electric car tax credit

The benefits of using a one pedal driving system

Using the one pedal driving system consistently can unleash a slew of benefits, such as:

Extending your EV’s range

Extending your hydraulic braking system’s life

Lessening the wear and tear on your hydraulic braking system

Reducing air pollution—less hydraulic brake usage means less brake dust in the air

Enjoying the convenience of one pedal driving without the annoyance of switching between the gas and brake pedals—unless there’s an emergency, of course

Smoother braking and stops

With practice, one pedal driving is a much more relaxing way to drive

MORE: 4 things that impact your EV's range

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