New Nissan Leaf will introduce one-pedal driving

With the next-generation Nissan Leaf electric car launching at the beginning of September the manufacturer is starting to reveal some of its key features, with the latest being an 'e-Pedal' that can act as both accelerator and brake.

Nissan believes this revolutionary technology will transform the way we drive. While the Leaf will feature a traditional brake pedal, a flip of a switch will see the Leaf's accelerator turn into an e-Pedal, allowing drivers to both accelerate, decelerate and stop using just the e-Pedal. Nissan believes that the e-Pedal/accelerator will cover 90% of the driver's needs.

How does it work?

You'll press the e-Pedal to accelerate as normal, but when you want to slow down you'll simply take your foot off the pedal and the car will automatically reduce in speed, coming to a complete stop should you want it to. The mechanism is even strong enough to hold the car on a hill. 

For sudden braking situations you'll still need to jam the brake on with your foot, while switching the system off will see the car's pedals behave as normal; but when you're in town or stuck in traffic, the one pedal should be all you need. 

Previously to the announcement of the e-Pedal, Nissan has also released images of the new Leaf's headlight cluster, which suggests a more angular design than the curved features of the current model. 

Phil Hall

Phil Hall is an experienced writer and editor having worked on some of the largest photography magazines in the UK, and now edit the photography channel of TechRadar, the UK's biggest tech website and one of the largest in the world. He has also worked on numerous commercial projects, including working with manufacturers like Nikon and Fujifilm on bespoke printed and online camera guides, as well as writing technique blogs and copy for the John Lewis Technology guide.