One-pedal driving characteristics

John Becker · Nov 5, 2023

It seems to me that a combination of using OPD, and shifting in and out of neutral at strategic times, would maximize fuel economy. However, coasting in neutral is illegal in many states.

Henry Ford · Nov 6, 2023

John Becker said:
It seems to me that a combination of using OPD, and shifting in and out of neutral at strategic times, would maximize fuel economy. However, coasting in neutral is illegal in many states.

I don't see how coasting could be more efficient than returning energy to the battery. Plus, if you really like coasting you can find the spot between power and regen. It's not hard and there's even a brake coach to help you.

Just don't use friction brakes and you are being so close to perfectly efficient that you will not notice a difference.

Adventureboy · Nov 6, 2023

The pedal will definitely be more aggressive than a Bolt or an MME simply because you have more power for the same range of pedal movement. I have a 2023 Lightning Lariat ER - I run in Normal mode most of the time and OPD is very smooth and controllable. My wife has an MME Premium AWD ER and the Lightning is just as smooth as the MME but the Lightning has noticeably more power for the same foot movement. I also find the pedal is more sensitive when the SOC is 100% than if it is at 90%, and I think that is just because the voltage is higher giving a few percent more HP when things are topped up.
If you find it is not smooth, you may want to ask your dealer to look at it. It could be a tight or poorly lubricated pedal or something simple like that which could make it jumpy.