China is set to introduce new regulations that will reshape how regenerative braking systems operate in electric vehicles (EVs), a move likely to impact the growing segment of drivers who favour one-pedal driving. The new rule, outlined under the national standard GB 21670-2025, is scheduled to come into effect on 1 January 2027.
This legislation will prohibit EVs from having a default driving mode that brings the car to a complete stop simply by releasing the accelerator pedal. While the rule does not entirely ban one-pedal functionality, it requires that such features no longer be the vehicle’s default setting. The change appears to be aimed more at enhancing road safety than improving battery efficiency.
According to a report by The Paper, a Chinese news outlet, the primary concern behind the new regulation is the delayed braking response observed in drivers accustomed to strong regenerative braking. Studies have indicated that drivers relying heavily on regenerative deceleration may hesitate to apply the brake pedal in emergency situations—where the stopping power provided by regenerative systems alone proves insufficient. This delay could compromise reaction times, especially in critical moments requiring full braking force.
Although the shift away from default one-pedal driving may frustrate enthusiasts of seamless, pedal-free deceleration, regulators argue that more consistent braking habits are crucial for overall safety on increasingly crowded roads.
In addition to restrictions on one-pedal driving, China will roll out other significant safety requirements for EVs even earlier. From 1 January 2026, all newly produced electric vehicles must be equipped with anti-lock braking systems (ABS)—a safety feature that has long been mandatory in other major automotive markets, including the United States (since 2011) and the European Union (since 2004).
Another notable addition to the safety code is a new stipulation regarding brake light activation during regenerative deceleration. Starting in 2026, brake lights must illuminate automatically if the deceleration caused by energy recovery exceeds 1.3 metres per second squared. This measure addresses a common issue raised by drivers following behind EVs: the lack of visible cues that the vehicle ahead is slowing down, given that regenerative braking often does not trigger the standard brake lights.
As China continues to lead the global EV market, these regulatory changes reflect the country’s growing focus on aligning innovation with evolving safety standards. While the new rules may require manufacturers to adjust software calibrations and vehicle settings, the long-term aim is to foster a safer driving environment as electric mobility becomes increasingly mainstream.
