China clamps down on one-pedal driving, citing pedal misapplication, unintended acceleration concerns

China clamps down on one-pedal driving, citing pedal misapplication, unintended acceleration concerns

Known by many names, one-pedal mode is one of the key features on a growing number of electric vehicles. This combines the acceleration and braking functions into a single pedal (the throttle) and allows the car to come to a complete stop by simply lifting off, only requiring the driver to stab the brake pedal during emergency situations.

It’s marketed as a convenience feature, but using one pedal for two diametrically-opposed functions does come with the added risk of confusion, leading to pedal misapplication and, thus, unintended acceleration – a dangerous combination during an already critical scenario. China apparently agrees, which is why its latest technical standards for automotive braking systems have attempted to curb such systems.

According to Car News China, the new standard, GB 21670-2025, features new regulations for regenerative braking systems and emergency brake signals over the previous standards released in 2008. Among them is a requirement that by default, a vehicle cannot be slowed down to a stop by releasing the accelerator pedal, and the driver must use the brake pedal to stop the vehicle.

This does not explicitly rule out one-pedal driving, but it does mean that drivers will have to knowingly enable the feature instead of it being switched on by default. Related to this is another new law that requires brake lights to illuminate when the vehicle experiences 1.3 m/s2 in deceleration, no matter if the brake pedal is depressed.

Elsewhere, China will finally mandate the use of ABS as standard equipment. The regulations will be applied to most new vehicle type approvals come January 1, with the specific standards on one-pedal mode coming into effect in 2027. For vehicles that have already received type approvals, the new laws will apply from January 1, 2027 onwards.

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Jonathan Lee

After trying to pursue a career in product design, Jonathan Lee decided to make the sideways jump into the world of car journalism instead. He therefore appreciates the aesthetic appeal of a car, but for him, the driving experience is still second to none.

 

Comments

  • meladam on Jul 15, 2025 at 12:03 pm

    first time I drive one-pedal when I test drive tesla. It feels definitely like driving golf cart

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 4
  • Najib on Jul 15, 2025 at 12:21 pm

    Nice!..time to cut all the one pedal nonsense!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 20 Thumb down 5
  • Ronnie on Jul 15, 2025 at 12:21 pm

    Mispedal Operation Control also very important to mitigate this risk.

    They are available at modern Peroduas,
    Several premium spec BYD Chery GAC GWM most likely to have it.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 1
    • Karam Singh on Jul 15, 2025 at 7:02 pm

      You find them in Toyota, you got them in Perodua as well.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 1
    • Jonathan Lee (Member) on Jul 15, 2025 at 7:17 pm

      Perodua’s Pedal Misoperation Control only works from a standstill (it’s to prevent people from crashes if they mistakenly select R if they wanted D and vice versa). It won’t save you if you step on the wrong pedal during an emergency braking situation.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 0
  • Maomao on Jul 15, 2025 at 12:42 pm

    I don’t really get it. Brake pedal is still there if regen is insufficient to stop the car. For people who have driven ICE cars before, it’s instinctive to press the brake pedal in emergency. I guess the danger might apply to new drivers who hasn’t driven ICEs before?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 12 Thumb down 2
    • Not really on Jul 16, 2025 at 10:06 pm

      When driving slowly with creep, your foot is naturally on the brakes or hovering on the brakes. This is the standard mode of driving while at shared spaces with pedestrians.

      With one pedal driving, your foot is usually on the accelerator or hovering around it, since that is your main mode of speed control.

      See where I’m getting at? In an emergency, like a kid dashing in front of your car, who will be able to react and stop faster, accurately and safer? The person with the foot hovering on the brakes or accelerator?

      Muscle memory is one thing. Reaction time on the other hand..

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
      • Mike Tee on Jul 17, 2025 at 11:44 am

        Kid dashing in front of car is covered by ADAS. ADAS has helped me twice when A pillar blocked my view of oncoming cyclist and another time with pedestrian

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • Beroktua Emo lagi best on Jul 15, 2025 at 2:02 pm

    The nostalgia of driving the one-pedal antic car at genting highland outdoor theme park track

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 14 Thumb down 1
  • Squid on Jul 15, 2025 at 2:23 pm

    1 pedal drive is a godsent in heavy traffic!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 8
  • Kenny Gan on Jul 15, 2025 at 2:31 pm

    I don’t see where the confusion lies. The brake pedal is still there. Nobody who has driven ICE cars is going to be confused. Maybe the regulation is for first time drivers who may forget how to use the brake pedal through rare usage.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 6
  • simon on Jul 15, 2025 at 3:40 pm

    huh? i love the 1 pedal on my Kicks E power. super convenient, no need to switch the foot between accelerator and brake.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 4
    • Jibbb on Jul 16, 2025 at 11:13 am

      Until u get too used to it like after a few years and involve in a fast and great accident and treat that same pedal as a brake. U knw as driver when if we in passanger seat we tend to floor the invicible pedal when the driver did something. The nice thing happen when U floor the so call brake to avoid the accident next time as driver and the beautiful orchestra begin. Bing bang bang thong……..

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
  • kingkong on Jul 15, 2025 at 4:18 pm

    One pedal drive is heaven send. Once you try Tesla 1 pedal drive after some time, you will miss it.

    Mechanic dont like it coz they cant charge you to change brake pads or disc often. A tesla brake pads can easily last many years or few hundred k mileage.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 5
    • Handling such single pedals would be twice the charge. Saves time for both.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • Kurisu on Jul 19, 2025 at 11:01 pm

    Simple, they can’t master this tech, they ban it, u can check how many of their car can do one pedal drive to complete stop in short distance

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1
 

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