Impact of a combined accelerator-brake pedal solution on efficient driving

Abstract

The functionality of an electric vehicle enables to regenerate energy into the battery by using the electric motors for electric braking. By integrating this electric brake into the accelerator pedal, drivers are expected to use more often the electric brake and less often the hydraulic brake. However, the pedal system of a car is a crucial connection between driver and car. Any modification of this part can lead to decreasing acceptance. Two driving simulator studies were conducted to investigate the effect of three different settings of electric braking and the impact of a combined pedal solution (CPS) on acceptance and energy consumption. Participants performed test drives in rural and urban environments, with both the CPS and a conventional pedal solution and different levels of recuperation. The results show that drivers preferred stronger electric braking and the CPS (instead of a conventional pedal solution). With the CPS, drivers used less often the hydraulic brake and drove more efficiently. © The Institution of Engineering and Technology 2013.