byAlexandra Miles/November 13, 2024/inVolvo News

What’s One Pedal Driving?

Volvo aiming for its vehicles to be between 90-100% fully electric or PHEV (plug-in-hybrid) by 2030, is no mean feat. So, carrying on from our last month’s news post to better understand and drive your Volvo, this month we tackle the question many drivers are curious about, what exactly is one-pedal driving?

The Electric Shift

As we become more acquainted with the future world of electrification, it’s important that instead of thinking it’s all ‘same same, but electric’, we delve into the key aspects that have changed from traditional vehicles to the new and improved.

One aspect in particular that is highlighted often as a key selling point, is ‘one pedal driving’. If you’re like me, you’ll be picturing a single pedal in the driver’s footwell. However, ‘one pedal driving’ doesn’t actually mean there’s only one pedal; in fact, both pedals are still present.

Volvo infotainment system for one pedal drive

A Basic Breakdown

Technically, one-pedal driving refers to a driving mode commonly found in electric vehicles (EV’s), plug-in hybrids and some hybrid vehicles. In this mode, which must be manually activated by the driver, the accelerator acts as both the throttle and the brake. Pressing the pedal increases the speed, while lifting off activates regenerative braking, slowing the vehicle down and eventually bringing it to a stop.

The Mastermind

When using one pedal driving, the vehicles change from expending electricity and increasing its speed, to generating electricity for braking when the accelerator is released. This falls under the sub-title of one pedal driving, ‘regenerative braking’ and really, regenerative braking is the mastermind behind one pedal driving.

When brakes are applied in a traditional internal combustion vehicle, the kinetic energy from movement is converted into heat through friction in the brake pads, which is wasted. Regenerative braking, instead, harnesses that energy to recharge the vehicle’s battery. Once the driver lifts off the accelerator or presses the brake pedal, the electric motor switches into generator mode, and as the wheels continue to turn, they drive the motor, converting the vehicle’s movement into electricity to recharge the battery. This overall helps the vehicle reduce its energy consumption, improving the range it can travel, without needing to plug in again.

The Pros and Cons

Apart from electric vehicles being considered the most environmentally friendly choice for the road, having low operating costs and greater energy efficiency, would one be the right fit for your lifestyle? Let’s weigh up the pros and cons.

First, the pros:

Perfect for city living: Regenerative braking maximises efficiency in stop-and-go traffic, while offering quiet and emissions-free driving.
Convenience: EVs can be home-charged, reducing trips to the nearest petrol station.
Quiet operation: They offer a much smoother and quieter driving experience when compared to traditional vehicles.
Improved air quality: With no emissions this directly helps to improve the air quality around us, especially in urban areas.

The cons:

Charging time: Even with fast chargers, it can take longer to charge an EV versus refueling a petrol vehicle.
Long distance travel: EVs require planning for charging stops on long trips, as charging stations may not be as widely available or reliable as traditional petrol stations.
Depreciation: Although EVs hold their value well, some can depreciate faster than traditional vehicles due to concerns over batter life and advancing technology.
Cold weather impact: In cold temperatures, EV batteries can lose efficiency and range, as they perform less effectively in extreme weather conditions.

The Drive Away

As we continue to evolve deeper into the world of electrification, fully grasping the key elements that can take your experience with Volvo from zero to hero is essential. Keep an eye out for upcoming updates and insights to help you get the most out of your prized Volvo.

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