Report: China Seeks To Ban Single-Pedal Drive Mode In EVs By 2027

Single-pedal drive mode, sometimes labelled as 'e-pedal' or one-pedal drive mode, is a particularly common ability in all EVs.

If you’re familiar with electric vehicles (EVs), then we’re certain you’d know about one particularly common feature borne from their regenerative braking abilities – single-pedal drive mode. This is also sometimes referred to as one-pedal or even ‘e-pedal’ drive mode.

The level of regenerative braking (or ‘regen’, for short) in some EVs sold today are so strong, it can effectively slow the vehicle down, even bringing it to a halt. Because of this, some EV drivers have even adapted to new driving style in EVs where they barely touch the brakes at all.

In some EVs, the level of regen braking is high enough that it can effectively slow an EV down, even bringing it to a halt.

Surely, depending on which side of the fence you fall in, you’d either find this regen ability either very useful, or absolutely useless. Having tested quite a number of EVs ourselves of late, we do see both the merits and risks of this feature and the driving style it dictates.

However, based on recent reports coming out of China, which is the world’s largest EV-producing nation, its government could soon ban this novel yet divisive feature. This stems from a set of newly introduced standards for passenger cars announced in China.

Despite some of its merits, single-pedal driving could soon be banned in China - the world's largest producer of EVs.

Specifically, it’s the new GB 21670-1015 terms, which dictates that drivers must not be able to set their EVs to a default mode that can bring a car to a complete stop by simply lifting off the accelerator. Notably, this doesn’t not mean the feature is fully outlawed too.

Sources online further point out that this new legislation’s is aimed towards enhancing safety, not to improve EV driving range. Much of this seems to stem from possibly dangerous new driving habits that single-pedal driving style creates.

Chinese authorities appear to be acting on study findings indicating EV drivers with heavy reliance of regen braking could develop delayed braking response in emergencies.

In fact, new studies show that some EV drivers can become heavily reliant on regen braking effect, which in turn creates and develops a delayed reaction in applying the brakes during emergencies where more braking force is needed than what regen gives.

This certainly goes against what some EV fans tend to agree upon – the notion that single-pedal driving is safer because it cuts out the delay between lifting off your right foot from the accelerator and placing it on the brake pedal.

Regardless of said argument, the new standards that the Chinese authorities will enforce starting Jan 1, 2027. Included in this too are several other changes that fall under the same standard that will be compulsory 12 months earlier.

Interestingly, the new standard banning single-pedal drive mode even includes a new ruling calling for brake lights in EVs to illuminate when it experiences deceleration exceeding 1.3 m/s².

Reportedly included here too is a new requirement for brake lights in EVs to illuminate when the rate of deceleration it experiences exceeds 1.3 m/s².

In turn, this addresses a common concern amongst motorist tailing behind EVs in traffic who might not realise an EV is slowing down significantly without conventional brake light cues.

Automatic brake light illumination when decelerating under regen should combat concerns by motorists tailing an EV and not realising it's slowing down significantly without conventional braking.

Whilst this new ruling may just be limited to China, the fact that it produces the bulk of EVs sold worldwide could see effects of this rule change felt globally. What do you folks reckon? Do you agree on the argument single-pedal drive mode is dangerous?

As usual, share your take on the matter in the comments below, as well as through our social media pages…