In Europe, electric vehicles are rapidly becoming mainstream, but a large proportion of drivers are still unfamiliar with one of their most innovative technological features: the one-pedal driving system (One Pedal Driving), also known as "B" mode. This seemingly simple method turns the philosophy of driving upside down and is the key to maximum energy efficiency, especially in urban environments, which is actually the main environment for electric vehicles.
The concept is simple: the driver uses only the accelerator pedal to accelerate and decelerate. When the pedal is released, the electric motor does not simply switch off, but starts to work in reverse mode, functioning as a generator. This produces a strong but controlled braking force that restores the car's kinetic energy back to the battery.
In traditional cars, when we press the brakes, the energy is wasted as heat through friction between the pads and discs - a pure waste. With a single-pedal system, up to 90% of daily deceleration can be done through regeneration. This means not only increased mileage, but also a drastic reduction in wear on traditional brakes. Many electric car owners say that their brake pads have a lifespan of over 100,000 kilometers, which is unthinkable for conventional cars.
However, driving with one pedal requires a short adaptation period
The initial sharp deceleration can be disconcerting, but after a few hours behind the wheel, it becomes second nature. Drivers learn to dose the release of the pedal, which leads to smoother and more predictable movement, especially in heavy city traffic with constant stop-and-go.
The engineers have achieved a masterful balance - the system is set so that when the pedal is fully released, the car slows to a complete stop without having to touch the brake pedal (which, of course, remains available for emergencies). This makes maneuvering in traffic jams less tiring and more focused.
Models from Tesla, Nissan Leaf (with its e-Pedal) and BMW i3 were among the pioneers of this technology. Today, it is a must-have feature for every new electric car, increasing efficiency by double digits. The single-pedal system is the quiet hero of the electric revolution - it turns wasted energy into extra kilometers and makes city driving easier and more economical than ever.