One-Pedal Driving (OPD) is a technique that can make your driving experience easier by using just one pedal to operate an electric car. How cool is that?

Drivers who have used a car with a manual transmission may remember the inconvenience of driving in stop-and-go traffic or struggling to drive uphill in a jam. In recent years, automatic transmission cars have become more popular because they are more comfortable and easier to use. Today, we have the option of One-Pedal Driving (OPD), which adds an additional level of convenience to our driving experience.

What is one-pedal driving (OPD) and how does it work?

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and electric vehicles (EVs) use a control module to cut the electric current flow from the battery to the motor when the driver releases the accelerator pedal, similar to shifting a traditional fuel car into neutral. However, engineers realized that it would be more efficient to utilize the motor as a generator to charge the battery during deceleration and capture the kinetic energy of the car’s motion. This system, known as “Regenerative Braking,” required the implementation of certain hardware and software modifications.

Regenerative Braking uses the motor as a generator to supply electricity to the battery, creating a braking force of up to 0.2G (about 20% of a full braking force) through the motor’s magnetic resistance. This led to the development of the “One-Pedal Driving” technique, which allows the driver of a PHEV or EV to operate the car using only the accelerator pedal, with some additional modifications to the system. Many modern PHEVs and EVs also include a button that allows the driver to turn the One-Pedal Driving system on or off as needed.

How can you use One-Pedal Driving (OPD) to operate a car?

• To accelerate the car, press down on the accelerator pedal.
• To reduce speed and decelerate, ease off the accelerator pedal. (The brake lights will turn on.)
• To come to a stop, release pressure on the accelerator pedal. (The brake lights will turn on, and once the car is fully stopped, the hydraulic brakes will engage to keep the car stationary.)
• To move again, simply press down on the accelerator pedal. The hydraulic brakes will disengage and the car will start moving.

Is One-Pedal Driving (OPD) safe?

Yes, for several reasons:

1. When the driver eases off the accelerator pedal, the brake lights turn on to warn cars behind you.
2. There is less load on the traditional brakes, which can extend their lifespan.
3. Using traditional brakes less often leads to less brake pad dust, which is better for the environment.
4. In the event of a full stop, the traditional hydraulic brakes will engage to secure the car, even on inclines or declines.
5. On low-traction surfaces (such as slippery roads), the brakes are applied simultaneously using all four wheels to safely slow the vehicle down.
6. The driver can turn off the OPD system at any time.
7. In case of an emergency, the driver can still use the traditional brake pedal to achieve 100% braking force immediately.

What are the advantages of using One-Pedal Driving (OPD)?

1. OPD is convenient to use in stop-and-go traffic.
2. It can extend the range of the car by using the car’s motion to recharge the battery, making it more efficient.
3. There is less load on traditional brakes, which can extend their lifespan and reduce the need for maintenance, saving money.

Many car manufacturers are adding OPD to their cars, such as the Tesla Model S Performance, Nissan Leaf Plus, Chevrolet Bolt, Hyundai Kona Electric, and Jaguar I-Pace, with more expected to follow.