Drivers could be surprised at just how much this relatively unknown feature changes their driving experience, making journeys smarter, cheaper, greener and a whole lot more fun
Brits are only just discovering a genius pedal hack that can save drivers money and improve your safety,
In the ever-changing world of motorcars, innovation is shifting gears at an increasingly unprecedented pace, with Electric and hybrid vehicles reshaping the way we drive. While everyone is aware that these vehicles run on batteries rather than petrol or diesel, there’s a lesser-known feature that’s quietly revolutionising driving — and it’s to do with the accelerator pedal.
For decades, this pedal’s job was simple — press down to go faster, lift off to coast or slow down gently. But in many modern low emission vehicles it has taken on a new, dual purpose. Enter the ‘One Pedal’ driving system — technology allowing drivers to both accelerate and decelerate using just the accelerator.
When you ease off the pedal, the car slows down automatically — it can even come to a complete stop without you ever touching the brakes. This isn’t just convenient, it’s also a clever way to recover energy and extend your vehicle’s range.
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The magic behind this system lies in regenerative braking. In traditional cars, slowing down means wasting kinetic energy as heat through the brakes, but electric and hybrid vehicles can capture it. When you lift your foot from the accelerator, the electric motor switches to generator mode, converting the car’s motion back into electricity before storing it in the battery.
According to reports, this not only helps recharge the battery, it saves money and reduces wear and tear on the brake pads and discs. When your battery is running low, those extra miles can be crucial in getting you home or to the nearest charging station. Plus, because the system responds instantly to your foot, it can enhance safety by providing quicker deceleration in everyday driving situations.
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The first time most drivers experience the ‘One Pedal’ driving system, they may think it’s almost counterintuitive — like the car is reading your mind. But after a short adjustment period, the benefits become clear. In stop-and-go city traffic, it’s a game-changer. You can modulate your speed and even come to a complete stop by simply adjusting pressure on the accelerator, reducing driver fatigue and making for a smoother, more relaxing journey.
Mastering ‘One Pedal’ driving doesn’t require any technical expertise. With a little practice, most drivers find it instinctive and enjoyable. It can help drivers better judge distances, anticipate traffic and maximise efficiency. While you’ll still need the brake pedal for emergencies and steep hills, for most daily driving the accelerator does almost all the work.
So if you’re considering an electric or hybrid car, or already own one but haven’t explored this feature, now’s the time to give ‘One Pedal’ driving a try. You might be surprised at just how much it changes the driving experience — making journeys smarter, cheaper, greener and more fun.
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