An accident waiting to happen? Nissan's new Leaf will let drivers accelerate and slow down with the SAME pedal

  • The new Leaf electric car is scheduled for release by Nissan in September
  • A switch will turn the vehicle's accelerator into a dual purpose e-Pedal 
  • This will allow motorist's to accelerate, decelerate and stop using just this pedal
  • The Japanese manufacturer claim it will even secure the car on a steep incline 

By Tim Collins For Mailonline

Published: | Updated:

It might seem like a recipe for disaster, but electric car drivers could soon use the same pedal to accelerate and brake.

Nissan claim the device is a 'revolutionary technology that transforms the way we drive'.

Their E-pedal is being introduced in the new Leaf model, scheduled for release in September.

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It might seem like a recipe for disaster, but drivers could soon use the same pedal to accelerate and break. Nissan's e-Pedal is being introduced in their new model of electric car, scheduled for release in September (current model pictured)

It might seem like a recipe for disaster, but drivers could soon use the same pedal to accelerate and break. Nissan's e-Pedal is being introduced in their new model of electric car, scheduled for release in September (current model pictured)

THE E-PEDAL 

The e-Pedal will let drivers bring the car to a complete stop even on hills, stay in position, and resume driving instantly. 

Speed will be controlled by pressing the accelerator as normal.

Taking your foot off the accelerator will cause the car to reduce in speed and come to a complete stop eventually.

Even on steep inclines, applying the handbrake will be unnecessary while in e-pedal mode.

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The new kit will be controlled via a switch, which will turn the accelerator into an e-Pedal. 

This will allow drivers to accelerate, decelerate and stop using just this pedal.

Breaking suddenly will still require use of the break pedal.

And the pedals will function normally while not in e-Pedal mode.

But in slow moving traffic and built up areas, it could provide a convenient one pedal driving capability.

That's provided you don't get too comfortable and forget the need to break sharply when called for.

The e-Pedal will let drivers bring the car to a complete stop even on hills, stay in position, and resume driving instantly. 

Speed will be controlled by pressing the accelerator as normal.

Taking your foot off the accelerator will cause the car to reduce in speed and come to a complete stop eventually.

Even on steep inclines, applying the handbrake will be unnecessary while in e-pedal mode. 

In a written statement, a company spokesman said: 'The e-Pedal technology represents another key milestone in Nissan’s ongoing commitment to bring accessible, advanced driver assistance technologies to the mainstream. 

The new kit will be controlled via a switch (pictured), which will turn the accelerator into an e-Pedal. This will allow drivers to accelerate, decelerate and stop using just this pedal

The new kit will be controlled via a switch (pictured), which will turn the accelerator into an e-Pedal. This will allow drivers to accelerate, decelerate and stop using just this pedal

Nissan's e-pedal is being introduced in the new Leaf, and they have released a teaser image for that shows a more angular headlight design (pictured). The Japanese firm claims the e-Pedal device is a 'revolutionary technology that transforms the way we drive'

Nissan's e-pedal is being introduced in the new Leaf, and they have released a teaser image for that shows a more angular headlight design (pictured). The Japanese firm claims the e-Pedal device is a 'revolutionary technology that transforms the way we drive'

'Set to make driving safer and more enjoyable, the development of these technologies is part of Nissan Intelligent Mobility, the company’s blueprint for transforming how cars are driven, powered and integrated into society.'

'Drivers can cover 90 per cent of their driving needs with the e-Pedal, making the process of driving more exciting.

'In heavy traffic and during city commutes, drivers will greatly reduce the need to shift from one pedal to the other, making your drive simpler and more engaging.' 

Speed will be controlled by pressing the accelerator as normal. Taking your foot off the accelerator will cause the car to reduce in speed and come to a complete stop eventually. Even on steep inclines, applying the handbrake will be unnecessary while in e-pedal mode

Speed will be controlled by pressing the accelerator as normal. Taking your foot off the accelerator will cause the car to reduce in speed and come to a complete stop eventually. Even on steep inclines, applying the handbrake will be unnecessary while in e-pedal mode

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