07/10/2026
“WHY DO THEY KEEP BRAKING?!”
Before you diagnose the driver in front with a nervous right foot, there’s something worth knowing about electric cars.
In many EVs, lifting off the accelerator activates regenerative braking. This slows the car and recovers energy into the battery. When the slowing is strong enough, the brake lights can come on automatically even though the driver hasn’t touched the brake pedal.
With one-pedal driving, the driver can control much of their acceleration and slowing through the accelerator alone.
Ease off, the car slows, and the brake lights may illuminate to warn you behind.
The exact behaviour varies between vehicles and settings. Gentle slowing may not bring the lights on; stronger slowing can.
Those red lights don’t automatically mean someone is constantly stamping on the brakes or deliberately brake-checking you.
Of course, petrol and diesel drivers also need to slow for bends, junctions, changing traffic and hazards you might not have spotted from behind.
Watch what the vehicle is doing, look further ahead and leave a sensible gap.
If every change in its speed becomes a personal crisis inside your car, it might be time to give yourself a little more room.
Did you know an EV’s brake lights could come on without the driver touching the brake pedal?
Sheena Ahmed
Motorvation school of Motoring
