Drive the 2018 Nissan LEAF with one pedal

Nissan has ditched the brake pedal. Well, sort of.

The Japanese manufacturer’s second-generation Leaf electric car promises an e-Pedal function which essentially renders the left-side driver foot pedal obsolete once a button in the dashboard has been pressed.

The system uses regenerative braking technology familiar in all electric cars, the theory being that when you’re not accelerating the mechanical forces applied to the rotating part of the motor essentially turn it into a generator, sending electrons back to the battery.

“With the flip of a switch, the technology turns your accelerator into an e-Pedal, allowing drivers to accelerate, decelerate and stop using just the e-Pedal,” Nissan says, pointing out that aggressive braking situations will still require the traditional brake pedal.

It then goes on to claim this is the world’s first one-pedal operation allowing “drivers to bring the car to a complete stop even on hills, stay in position and resume driving instantly”. In reality, the system is an extension of regenerative braking options already fitted to the likes of the Tesla Model S.

“Drivers can cover 90 per cent of their driving needs with the e-Pedal, making the process of driving more exciting. In heavy traffic and during city commutes, drivers will greatly reduce the need to shift from one pedal to the other, making your drive simpler and more engaging.”

Nissan explains in the below video:

The second-generation Nissan Leaf is due to be unveiled on September 6. Australian specification details will be revealed closer to launch, however a drawn-out teaser campaign by Nissan has already revealed some details of the car’s autonomous safety technology and styling.