Single-pedal driving mode allows EV drivers to decelerate without touching the brake pedal, while enhancing regenerative capacity for energy recovery. But Porsche thinks there is a better way.
The Porsche Taycan makes more use of downhill, using regenerative braking only when the brake pedal is actually pressed. In a recent press release, the automaker explains the thinking behind that.
“This is a more efficient way of driving,” said Martin Reichenecker, senior manager of chassis testing at Porsche Engineering, in the press release, “because it keeps kinetic energy in the car.
2023 Porsche Taycan 4S AWD wheel cover
The argument is basically single-pedal driving related to energy loss both during deceleration and acceleration. Therefore, from the point of view of Porsche engineering, it is better to let the car continue to slow down after the driver has taken his foot off the accelerator and only add regenerative braking when it is really time to slow down.
This echoes what Porsche has said before. Before launching the Taycan, members of its development team told Green Car Reports that the car no one-pedal drivingfor both efficiency and drivability reasons, then note that the driving characteristics are also more similar to those of Porsche internal combustion models
The release states that the Taycan is still capable of regenerative braking in 90% of driving situations. Porsche engineers also see it as valuable for other things, including avoiding the need for larger friction brake components to compensate for the extra weight of the battery pack. And even more limited use of regenerative braking means less frictional braking, an important consideration given potential European regulations on particulate emissions from braking, Porsche notes.
Porsche Taycan 2023
Strategies for mixing regenerative and frictional braking vary. While the Taycan (and related Audi E-Tron GT) is capable of regenerative braking, 2024 Audi Q8 E-Tron there’s another system that transfers the baton from engine-based regeneration to friction pads that the driver may not even be aware of.
BMW used to accept driving with one pedal. But more recently, in its iXi4 and i7, it has been found that running slowly—or most of the time running slow—has an efficiency advantage.
And while we can argue about going slow and what each pedal should do, some companies see that in the future, Friction pads can be removed completely. Stellantis’ DS Automotive brand embodies this concept in a concept car due out in 2022, drawing on lessons from Formula E racing.
