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Trucks actually come with this kind of configuration! Are you familiar with single-pedal control?
Have you heard of the single-pedal mode? Most people probably think of various news reports about accidents caused by misuse when they hear 'single-pedal' for the first time. It seems like single-pedal mode is an 'anti-human' feature, but that's clearly not the case.
So what exactly is the reason why major car manufacturers are adopting single-pedal mode in their new cars? Today, let's take a good look at this single-pedal mode and see what it’s really all about.
▎What is single-pedal mode? It’s related to regenerative braking.
First, looking at the pedal area for the legs, a single pedal does not mean there is only one pedal underfoot. Like all automatic transmission vehicles, it still has both a brake and an accelerator pedal, and the functions and operational logic are the same.
The so-called single-pedal mode essentially makes full use of the regenerative braking system, controlling the vehicle's acceleration, deceleration, or stopping through the accelerator pedal. Simply put, when you press the pedal, the vehicle accelerates immediately, and when you release the accelerator, the regenerative braking system kicks in to recover the vehicle's kinetic energy into the battery while using the drag of the drive motor to slow down the vehicle.
So, after activating the single-pedal mode, the faster you lift off the accelerator pedal, the stronger the regenerative braking becomes, and the quicker the vehicle slows down. Conversely, the slower you lift off the accelerator pedal, the weaker the regenerative braking, and the slower the vehicle decelerates. If you completely release the accelerator pedal, the vehicle will come to a full stop after decelerating.
At this point, some people might worry that if they release the accelerator pedal suddenly, the vehicle will stop abruptly or the braking force will be too harsh. This will, of course, not happen. Even if the accelerator pedal is lifted off suddenly, the braking force will be applied gradually and linearly.
In fact, the principle of the single-pedal mode is very similar to that of a children's electric toy car in a shopping mall: when you press the pedal, the toy car accelerates; when you release it, the car slows down. This is very similar to the single-pedal mode, and using this example, everyone should be able to understand how single-pedal mode works.
▎ What are the advantages of single-pedal mode? The key is improving driving range.
So, why do most new energy vehicles now come with a single-pedal mode? As everyone knows, the most important aspect of new energy vehicles is their range. Besides increasing battery capacity and optimizing the electronic control system, a more direct way to reduce energy consumption is the single-pedal mode, which is a good method.
From the principles introduced above, we can see that the single-pedal mode can efficiently utilize the kinetic energy recovery system, fully recovering the energy wasted during deceleration. It converts the kinetic energy generated during vehicle braking into electrical energy through the motor and stores it in the battery, which greatly helps improve the vehicle's range under urban driving conditions.
Additionally, because the braking principle of the single-pedal mode uses the resistance of the motor to slow down the vehicle, it can reduce the frequency of using the braking system to a certain extent, thereby decreasing wear on the brakes and extending the lifespan of the brake pads. At the same time, since there is no need to frequently press the brake pedal, it can also help reduce driving fatigue to some extent in stop-and-go urban traffic, making driving more relaxed.
▎ Improper use of the single-pedal can cause problems
However, if the single-pedal mode is used for a long time, the most noticeable effect is a change in driving habits. After all, continuously controlling the vehicle with just one pedal over time will form muscle memory.
Under normal circumstances, everything is fine. However, when an emergency occurs, the driver is supposed to step on the brake promptly. At this moment, releasing the accelerator pedal may create a deceleration sensation that could make the driver mistakenly think that the current pedal is the brake. Coupled with a highly tense state, in a panic, muscle memory might lead to pressing the accelerator pedal and not letting go. Moreover, the power response of new energy vehicles is extremely fast. If the accelerator pedal is pressed by mistake and not released, the car could suddenly surge forward, potentially causing more serious accidents.
In addition, based on our driving experience, the single-pedal mode requires a relatively long learning period. Drivers need to accurately control the pressure on the accelerator pedal; otherwise, the vehicle may experience jerky movements. This is also why some people feel motion sickness when they first sit in a new energy vehicle.
● Editor’s Note
It can be seen that the single-pedal mode is initially designed to reduce energy consumption and extend the range of new energy vehicles. It is currently a relatively effective way to save energy, which is why many passenger and commercial vehicles are equipped with single-pedal driving modes.
For drivers who are not familiar with it, there may be an adjustment period when first using it. As for safety, with proper operation, issues can actually be effectively avoided. Additionally, it is quite practical for stop-and-go city driving conditions. Of course, if you do not like or are not accustomed to the single-pedal mode, you can simply turn it off and choose according to your own preference.
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