Single Pedal Driving - Why Not an ICE Feature?

[VandalSibs]

I'm new to following Rivian and have a deposit down for an R2. I'm very excited for the most part, but one of the things I wonder about is why Rivian won't/doesn't offer a setting to turn off regenerative braking. I certainly understand that many drivers feel strongly that regenerative braking is valuable from a range standpoint and most seem to love single pedal driving, but I'm surprised that what seems like a simple software option hasn't been incorporated.

Rivian doesn't have to recommend it, but I'd bet there are drivers who might convert if the vehicle behaved like one they've driven for decades and is easier to drive smoothly given their old habits. I also think that option must make sense from a range standpoint if you're doing 70 MPH on the highway where it makes more sense to support coasting rather than try to reclaim a small percent of energy which will be more than lost accelerating back to the targeted speed. Plus I worry that the potential to introduce some harsh drag as a new EV driver that I might feel better without that potential braking on some icy surfaces. I'm sure new EV drivers will welcome all the advice and wisdom of other drivers and the manufacturer, but I can't believe Rivian doesn't offer what seems to be a cost-free option that would be harmless from their standpoint but would support more types of drivers and customization.

Honestly, being able to control the full acceleration/deceleration process with one foot is so amazing that I find it tough to drive an ICEV anymore. Plus, the energy regen'd, even if it's just gonna get used the next time you accelerate is that much less you're having to get from outright charging up. It's free, why not use it?

It took me about a week of driving my first EV (Model 3) to be totally adapted to one-pedal driving.

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[Jim G]

Honestly, being able to control the full acceleration/deceleration process with one foot is so amazing that I find it tough to drive an ICEV anymore. Plus, the energy regen'd, even if it's just gonna get used the next time you accelerate is that much less you're having to get from outright charging up. It's free, why not use it?

It took me about a week of driving my first EV (Model 3) to be totally adapted to one-pedal driving.

I hear it's great and will definitely try it. Your comments are the ones I hear the most - but I can't help thinking that there will be some people or situations that some people might opt differently. I'd be leaning heavily on not wanting to introduce more drag on a wide open highway but I will be open minded and check it out. But I wish they'd offer the options to be more inclusive - especially given the lack of cost.

 

[VandalSibs]

I hear it's great and will definitely try it. Your comments are the ones I hear the most - but I can't help thinking that there will be some people or situations that some people might opt differently. I'd be leaning heavily on not wanting to introduce more drag on a wide open highway but I will be open minded and check it out. But I wish they'd offer the options to be more inclusive - especially given the lack of cost.

One thing that I'm not 100% sure on is if regen braking is part of EPA testing or not, and if it's important enough to the EPA rating, they don't want it disabled entirely. But that may just be my brain making up something...

One thing to keep in mind is that Tesla used to have a 'no regen' mode (I remember seeing it in my 2019 Model 3, my first EV), but then it was removed. There is no reference in the current Model Y manual, for example, to being able to turn off regen.

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