If you have driven a VinFast VF8 or VF9—or any other EV, plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), or some hybrid vehicles—you may have noticed a feature that allows you to drive with just the accelerator, meaning you rarely have to touch the brake pedal. What is this, what is it called, and why does it matter? Simply put, the feature is called one-pedal driving. Let’s take a look at why it’s good for electric cars and for you as an EV owner.
Two Pedals Become One
When you drive a vehicle with an automatic transmission, you obviously have two main pedals: the gas (also known as the throttle or accelerator pedal) and the brake. While electric cars like the VinFast VF8 and VF9 still have a brake pedal, as soon as you let off the throttle pedal the vehicle immediately begins to brake. Why is this? It’s because of one-pedal driving. The electric motor causes the car to slow down in this case, because it’s technically not being used to generate thrust or acceleration but instead to reverse the torque direction of the battery system.
Regenerative Braking
When your VinFast starts to slow down when you let off the accelerator, the vehicle recovers some of that energy (normally lost in conventional friction braking systems) to be reused by the battery as extra charge. This is known as regenerative, or regen, braking. Regen braking can be adjusted from low to high via the 15.6-inch infotainment display. There’s also a Creep Mode. The more regen braking, the faster the car will slow down when you let off the accelerator pedal. When the system is set to the lowest regen braking, the car will coast like a normal gas-powered car. Oh, and yes, your brake lights come on even if you don’t touch the brake pedal. At any point when you have the regen braking turned up and you let off the throttle, the brake lights will illuminate.
Adjusting the Regen Braking
How much or how little regen braking you prefer is entirely up to you as the driver. A lot of first-time EV drivers will set the regen to the lowest setting to get used to it, because it can be alarming the first time you let off the gas pedal and the car starts slowing down instead of coasting. So, it’s best to gradually ease your way into getting comfortable with the system. You may want to turn the system down in stop-and-go traffic, where coasting could be more beneficial. Turning on Creep Mode will allow your VinFast to move forward slightly when you release the brake, like in a gas-powered car.
Do You Really Need a Brake Pedal?
If you use one-pedal driving, then what is the brake for? Well, you still need to apply the brakes in emergency stopping situations, because while the car will come to a complete stop when you let off the accelerator, it will not do so with the same urgency as slamming on the brakes in a panic situation.
Why Choose Ewing VinFast
At Ewing VinFast of Plano, we have the best prices on dozens of new VinFast EVs and used cars. Our well-educated sales staff and finance department will happily assist you with your EV questions and needs. Our fantastic service department will ensure your vehicle stays in the best condition.
We look forward to serving you.