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China Introduces Stricter Braking Standards for Passenger Cars
China has ushered in a new era of safety regulations for electric vehicles (EVs) by introducing landmark legislation to restrict the popular "one-pedal driving" feature—most notably used in Tesla models and other EVs. These updates, soon to become national standards, are set to reshape how automotive manufacturers design braking systems, influencing not just user experience but overall traffic safety as well.
What Is One-Pedal Driving and Why Is It Controversial?
One-pedal driving is an innovative approach pioneered by Tesla and subsequently adopted by several electric car producers. It enables drivers to control both acceleration and deceleration simply by modulating the accelerator pedal. Lifting off the pedal initiates regenerative braking, slowing the car and, in many cases, bringing it to a complete halt—effectively removing the need to use the brake pedal in many daily scenarios.
While this technology has won over many enthusiasts due to its convenience, smoother driving experience, and enhancement of energy recovery systems, it has also generated controversy. Some drivers—particularly older or less tech-savvy individuals—have struggled to adapt. Confusion between accelerator and brake pedals in emergencies has led to several high-profile accidents, often investigated under "sudden unintended acceleration" cases.
Key Details of China’s New Braking Regulation
Under the new rules, automotive manufacturers are prohibited from allowing vehicles to come to a full stop solely by releasing the accelerator. Instead, drivers must actively engage the brake pedal to bring the car to a stationary state. The updated "Technical Requirements and Test Methods for Passenger Car Braking Systems" (GB 21670-2025) was voted into law recently, with rollout beginning January 1, 2026, for new vehicle-type approvals and full compliance required for all new vehicles by January 1, 2027.
Enhancements to Safety-Focused Design
In addition to addressing one-pedal braking, the regulation mandates that brake lights must illuminate whenever regenerative braking decelerates the vehicle by more than 1.3 m/s², remaining active throughout the period of braking. This aims to make deceleration more apparent to following drivers and decrease the risk of rear-end collisions—a significant consideration amid fast-growing urban traffic in China.
Impact on Tesla and Other Electric Vehicle Brands
Tesla has long promoted its one-pedal driving as a hallmark of intuitive, next-generation driving. However, after a series of high-speed accidents in China, authorities demanded a software update—rolled out as version 2023.12.9—that switched the default stopping mode from "Hold" to "Creep." This adjustment mimics the behavior of automatic transmissions, requiring drivers to use the brake pedal to keep the car stationary, and was implemented exclusively for the Chinese market.
With the coming regulatory changes, Tesla and rival EV manufacturers will need to further adapt their braking system configurations. This may entail hardware and software redesigns to ensure compliance—not just for new models but also for those already approved prior to the rule's full enforcement in 2027.
Comparison: Global EV Market Practices
While China is making headlines with its firm stance, other markets have taken softer approaches. For example, outside of China, Tesla altered the default regenerative braking strength but stopped short of eliminating one-pedal stopping altogether. The new Chinese standard could serve as a blueprint for other countries looking to balance driver convenience, energy efficiency, and safety.
Vehicle Specifications and Design Trends
The focus of the Chinese standard is primarily on braking system logic and signaling, rather than specific vehicle design or performance specs. However, it directly influences how automotive engineers configure regenerative braking systems, pedal sensitivity, and user interface design for emerging electric and hybrid vehicles. Manufacturers may need to provide more customizable drive modes or enhanced driver education for future models.
Market Positioning and Industry Outlook
China’s aggressive stance on EV safety standards reinforces its position as the world’s most dynamic market for electric mobility. Automakers seeking to compete in this environment must adapt quickly or risk regulatory friction and loss of consumer confidence. The move could drive similar legislative changes globally, further harmonizing safety standards across key automotive markets.
Conclusion: A New Direction for Braking Technology
China’s updated braking regulations mark a significant turning point for the automotive sector, especially for electric vehicles. By phasing out one-pedal stopping by default, enhancing signaling requirements, and placing a higher premium on traditional driving habits, China's approach looks set to improve road safety while pushing the industry toward more adaptive technological solutions. EV enthusiasts and car buyers alike should watch these developments closely—2026 and 2027 will be years of major transformation for electric cars in the world’s largest auto market.
Source: autoevolution
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