One-pedal driving and regenerative braking

When you lift off the accelerator in a Tesla, the motor works as a generator, slowing the car and sending energy back to the battery. This is regenerative braking ("regen"). With practice you rarely need the brake pedal.

Stopping modes

In the car's settings you can choose what happens at very low speed:

• Hold: the car slows to a complete stop and holds itself. This is true one-pedal driving.
• Creep: the car creeps forward slowly like an automatic.
• Roll: the car rolls freely at low speed like a car in neutral.

How much does it save?

Regen recovers some of the energy you used to speed up. It helps most in towns, hills and stop-start traffic, which is why electric cars are so efficient in traffic. On a steady motorway it matters less.

Regen is reduced when the battery is cold or full, and the car shows a dotted line on the power meter when it's limited. Expect to use the brake more on a cold morning.

Brakes last longer

Because regen does most of the slowing, brake pads and discs last a long time. In the UK's wet, salty winters, discs can rust from lack of use. Using the brakes firmly now and then keeps them clean; your service centre can advise.

Passengers feeling sick?

Smooth regen takes practice. Lift off gently rather than all at once. Some drivers prefer Creep mode with passengers.