Lab: calibrating a one-pedal driving mode
Balance recovery, comfort and safety while shaping the lift-off torque curve for a target vehicle.
- Explain lab: calibrating a one-pedal driving mode at engineering level
- Read the numbers that define the behaviour
- Apply the idea to a real braking system
Overview
This lab uses the same regen-tuning tool from earlier, but now framed around the specific goals of a one-pedal calibration: maximise recovered energy while never asking more of the axle than the road can give.
In depth
Lab · Calibrate One-Pedal Regen
Set lift-off torque so the car can complete most everyday stops on regen alone, without exceeding the rear axle's friction budget across a range of grip conditions.
Regenerative torque is applied at the driven axle only. Ask for too much on a low-friction surface and that axle locks or the stability system intervenes, so the controller blends in the friction brakes. Recovery is also capped by the pack: a full or cold battery cannot absorb current.
What good calibration looks like here
Aim for a torque setting that clears the 65% recovery target at high grip, but verify what happens as you drop the grip slider toward wintry values — a mark of good calibration is that the system degrades gracefully, quietly leaning on friction brakes, rather than allowing wheel slip.
One-pedal driving check
- 1
Regenerative torque can bring an EV to a full, held stop on a hill without any friction braking.
- 2
Why do most EVs turn on brake lights during strong lift-off regen?
Key takeaways
- One-pedal calibration is a multi-condition trade-off, not a single torque number.
- Good calibration degrades gracefully on low grip rather than risking wheel slip.
- Regen deceleration without pedal use still needs a following-traffic warning signal.
Confirm you've read through and we'll count it toward your progress.