Many electric cars offer a driving mode where you rarely touch the brake pedal - lifting off the accelerator slows the car all the way down. This is called one-pedal driving. Here is what it is and how it works.
How one-pedal driving works
In one-pedal mode, the car applies strong regenerative braking the moment you lift off the accelerator - see how regen braking works. The deceleration is strong enough to bring the car to a full stop, so you control both speed-up and slow-down with a single pedal.
Why drivers like it
One-pedal driving is smooth and efficient - it maximizes energy recovery back into the battery and reduces the need to move your foot between pedals in stop-and-go traffic. Many EV drivers find it more relaxing once they adjust.
The friction brakes still work
Even in one-pedal mode, pressing the brake pedal still engages the normal friction brakes for hard or emergency stops - see how disc brakes work. One-pedal driving does not remove the brakes; it just means you use them less.
Effect on brake wear
Because the friction brakes are used so little, pads last a very long time - but the rotors can rust from disuse; see do EVs have brake pads. Periodic firm braking keeps rotors clean. When pads finally wear, fit quality pads and hardware.