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Do any hybrids have One-Pedal Driving?

In the strict sense, hybrids do not commonly offer a true “one-pedal” driving mode like many electric vehicles, but several hybrids—especially plug-in hybrids—can feel like one-pedal driving thanks to stronger regenerative braking (often via a B or brake-regen setting). The degree of deceleration you can achieve with just the throttle varies by model and year, and you’ll still use the brake for full stops in most cases.


What one-pedal driving means and how it applies to hybrids


p>One-pedal driving refers to slowing and stopping primarily by lifting off the accelerator, with energy recovered back into the battery through regenerative braking. In BEVs and many dedicated EVs, this can allow smooth deceleration from highway speeds to a complete stop without touching the brake pedal. Hybrids—especially conventional HEVs—do not typically offer a dedicated one-pedal mode, but some systems can mimic the sensation to varying degrees via stronger regenerative braking modes.


How regenerative braking differs between BEVs and hybrids


Battery-electric vehicles commonly calibrate regen to provide substantial deceleration with the throttle alone, and some offer dedicated “one-pedal” modes that can bring the car to a stop without using the brake. Hybrids, by design, blend regen with conventional friction braking and engine braking, so the throttle-induced deceleration is usually less aggressive and you’ll typically need to use the brake pedal for a complete stop.


Hybrid types and their regen behavior


Below is a practical overview of how different hybrid configurations handle regenerative braking and the potential for a one-pedal feel. This list explains common patterns you’ll encounter across many models; exact implementations vary by brand, model year, and trim.



  • Non-plug-in hybrids (HEVs): These vehicles generally rely on a modest to strong regenerative braking system, often enhanced by a dedicated drive mode or gear selector (for example, a “B” or similar setting). The result can feel somewhat like one-pedal driving during light deceleration, but complete stops still require the brake pedal.

  • Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs): PHEVs typically offer stronger regenerative braking, and many provide a selectable mode or gear position that increases regen when lifting off the throttle. In city driving, this can produce a more pronounced one-pedal feel, though it may not be as intense as in BEVs.

  • Performance-oriented hybrids and certain newer models: Some hybrids with enhanced regen options or sport-oriented drive modes can yield a noticeably stronger deceleration when you lift off the accelerator, approaching a one-pedal sensation in some conditions—yet friction braking and safe stopping remain necessary for full stops.


Concluding the list: While you can often achieve a more pronounced regenerative deceleration in many hybrids, a dedicated one-pedal driving mode is not as common or as extreme as in BEVs. If the one-pedal experience is a priority, you’ll generally find it more prominently in electric vehicles, with hybrids offering a more modest approximation through regen settings.


What to look for when evaluating a hybrid for one-pedal feel


Before you buy or lease, check whether the model offers any of these regen-related features and how aggressively they behave in practice:



  • Availability of a high-regeneration mode (often labeled B, L, or a regen setting in drive modes).

  • Whether the regen level is adjustable across drive modes and how intuitive the control feels during city driving.

  • How quickly deceleration increases when you lift off the accelerator and whether you can reach a near-stop without using the brake.


Concluding this section: If you want a true one-pedal experience, you’ll likely prefer a BEV or a plug-in with a true e-pedal or strong regen. Hybrids can offer a convincing deceleration effect, but they are not marketed around a one-pedal driving paradigm.


Summary


One-pedal driving is fundamentally a trait of electric propulsion. Hybrids can mimic the feel through regenerative braking, especially in plug-in variants with strong regen and selectable modes, but they typically do not provide a dedicated, full one-pedal driving experience. When evaluating hybrids, test drive the regen behavior in real-world conditions to determine if it meets your preference for driving feel. For an authentic one-pedal experience, consider a BEV or a plug-in with official e-pedal support.

What are the disadvantages of one-pedal driving?


While the benefits are strong, there are a few drawbacks to One-Pedal Driving:

  • Adjustment period – Braking can feel jerky until you get used to modulating the pedal.
  • Over-slowing – Strong regen braking can slow the car more than you want if you remove your foot suddenly.



Does the Honda CRV Hybrid have one-pedal driving?


A regenerative braking setting is also included that even allows one pedal driving. Fuel economy is a good 40 miles per gallon, city, 34 highway and 37 combined with all-wheel-drive. The CR-V hybrid is available in two trims, Sport and Sport Touring. The interior definitely benefits from its premium trim treatment.



Are there any cars with only one pedal?


Most cars need two pedals—one for gas, one for brakes. But the LEAF is a Nissan with one pedal that can do both. This tech is called the e-Pedal. It lets you speed up, slow down, and even stop, all with the push and lift of one foot.



Is one-pedal driving the same as regenerative braking?


One-pedal driving is a setting where you can control the car's acceleration and deceleration with a single pedal, while regenerative braking is the system that slows the car down and recharges the battery. One-pedal driving uses regenerative braking as its primary method of slowing down by automatically engaging it when you lift your foot off the accelerator. You can use them together, but regenerative braking is also a system that can be manually activated with a paddle or by gently pressing the brake pedal in some cars. 
This video explains how regenerative braking and one-pedal driving work together: 57sChevroletYouTube · Aug 29, 2023
Regenerative braking

  • What it is: A system that converts the car's kinetic energy into electrical energy to recharge the battery, extending its range. 
  • How it works: When you lift your foot off the accelerator or press the brake pedal, the electric motor works in reverse to create drag and slow the vehicle. 
  • Features:
    • Automatic: Activated when you press the brake pedal, even in non-one-pedal driving modes. 
    • Manual: Some EVs allow you to manually adjust the level of regeneration using steering wheel paddles or buttons, known as "Regen on Demand". 

One-pedal driving
  • What it is: An advanced driving mode where releasing the accelerator pedal provides strong, immediate regenerative braking that can bring the car to a complete stop without using the brake pedal. 
  • How it works: It enables the regenerative braking system to engage automatically as soon as you take your foot off the accelerator. 
  • Features:
    • Single pedal control: Allows for a more seamless driving experience in traffic and city driving. 
    • Brake light activation: The vehicle's brake lights will turn on automatically when decelerating with one-pedal driving, even without pressing the brake pedal. 
    • Potential for reduced brake wear: Because it relies heavily on the motor to slow down, it can reduce wear on the physical brake pads. 

This video explains how to use one-pedal driving: 57sHyundaiUSAYouTube · Jan 25, 2024
Key differences
  • Regenerative braking: is the underlying technology.
  • One-pedal driving: is a specific mode that uses the regenerative braking technology in a more aggressive and automated way. 
  • You can have regenerative braking without one-pedal driving, but you cannot have one-pedal driving without regenerative braking. 


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.