China, a dominant force in the electric vehicle market, is introducing significant new regulations that could reshape the driving experience for EV owners. These forthcoming rules, particularly concerning the widespread “one-pedal driving” feature, are designed to enhance safety for motorists across the nation. This innovative system, common in electric and certain hybrid vehicles, relies on regenerative braking to decelerate the car when the driver lifts their foot from the accelerator, offering benefits like increased electric range and reduced wear on traditional brake components. However, despite its efficiency, safety concerns have emerged, prompting regulatory intervention to mitigate potential risks associated with this technology.

Under the new stipulations, outlined in the revised “Technical Requirements and Test Methods for Passenger Car Braking Systems” (GB 21670-2025) by the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, one-pedal driving will no longer be the default operational mode in new passenger cars starting in 2027. This means that upon starting their vehicle, drivers will be required to utilize the conventional brake pedal for stopping, and the one-pedal feature, while not entirely banned, will necessitate manual activation for each journey. This adjustment is a direct response to a series of incidents, some dubbed “sudden unintended acceleration” by the public, where drivers, particularly older ones, struggled to adapt to the nuances of regenerative braking, leading to unexpected mishaps. Previously, regulatory bodies had already instructed manufacturers like Tesla to modify their vehicles’ default braking settings, shifting from an aggressive ‘Hold’ mode to a more conventional ‘Creep’ mode, emphasizing the use of the brake pedal.

Furthermore, China’s comprehensive safety overhaul extends beyond the one-pedal functionality. Beginning next year, new electric vehicles sold within the country will be mandated to feature brake lights that illuminate automatically when deceleration, caused by energy recuperation, surpasses a specific threshold of 1.3 m/s². This crucial addition aims to address the common issue of following drivers being unaware of an EV’s deceleration in the absence of traditional brake light signals, thereby improving overall road safety. Additionally, anti-lock braking systems (ABS) will become compulsory for all new EVs in China from 2026, aligning the country’s vehicle safety standards more closely with global practices, although notably later than mandates in regions like the United States and the European Union. These forward-thinking measures underscore a commitment to safer roads and a more intuitive driving experience for all, ensuring that technological advancements in electric vehicles go hand in hand with robust safety protocols.