Tesla One Pedal Driving Guide
You've just bought a new Tesla Model 3 or Model Y and keep hearing about One Pedal Driving. We'll show you what it's all about and why you should definitely use this mode in this article.
What is One Pedal Driving?
One-Pedal Driving is a driving technique that has become particularly established in Tesla vehicles. This method allows you to accelerate and brake the car by only using the accelerator pedal. For strong and emergency braking, the brake pedal is still used. One Pedal Driving simply makes everyday life with the Tesla Model 3 or Y even more relaxed.
How One-Pedal Driving Works in a Tesla
The concept of One-Pedal Driving in Tesla is based on the vehicle automatically braking as soon as the driver takes their foot off the accelerator. This is enabled by Tesla's advanced regeneration technology, which feeds the braking energy back into the vehicle's battery, positively affecting the electric car's range. Tesla vehicles, including the Model 3 and Model Y, come to a complete stop when releasing the accelerator pedal thanks to strong regeneration.
Do Tesla Model 3 and Y Have Only One Pedal?
Although One-Pedal Driving in Tesla vehicles takes over most of the braking work, especially with anticipatory driving, the separate brake pedal remains essential for emergencies and is of course present.
One Pedal Driving simply means that in everyday use mostly one pedal is used, not that there is only one pedal. So, Teslas have two pedals just like other electric cars.
Safety Aspects of One-Pedal Driving in a Tesla
Generally, Single-Pedal Driving with an electric car does not pose any special dangers. Tesla Model Y and Model 3 are equipped with modern emergency brake assistants that support in critical situations, and the brake pedal is still there. Therefore, One-Pedal Driving in Tesla offers a comfort gain without compromising safety.
Benefits of One-Pedal Driving in a Tesla
Many Tesla drivers find One-Pedal Driving very pleasant and comfortable after a short acclimatization period. Initially, the stronger braking behavior of a Tesla vehicle may be unfamiliar, especially when stopping quickly at a traffic light. However, one quickly learns the ideal time to release the accelerator pedal.
Moreover, anticipatory driving with less strong acceleration and braking contributes to increased efficiency. Gentle braking with One-Pedal Driving feeds more energy back into the battery than abrupt braking with the brake pedal, improving range and the lifespan of the brakes.
Disadvantages of One Pedal Driving
While One Pedal Driving in a Tesla saves the brakes from wear and tear, this very advantage also leads to the only disadvantage. Because the brake is rarely used, rust can develop on the brake discs, which is not regularly ground off due to the low use of the brake pedal. Therefore, we recommend braking strongly on an empty road from time to time to get rid of this rust.
Can One Pedal Driving in a Tesla be Turned Off?
If One Pedal Driving in the Tesla Model Y and Model 3 is too big of a change for you, you can also turn it off. If you want to turn it off, then proceed as follows:
- Tap "Vehicle" in the menu.
- Select "Pedals & Steering".
- Go to "Regenerative Braking System".
Here you can choose between two settings: "Low" and "Standard". Standard means that the regeneration is set to strong, thus activating One Pedal Drive, and Low means that the regeneration is set to low and the vehicle drives like an automatic car.
Conclusion
If you drive a Tesla Model 3 or Model Y, we can only recommend getting used to One Pedal Driving. It not only maximizes the vehicle's range but also makes everyday driving much more pleasant. Most people get used to it in just a few days, so don't worry, it won't take long.
