Core Viewpoint - The new national standard for passenger car braking systems, effective from January 1, 2026, regulates the single-pedal mode, prohibiting it from being set as the default option in new vehicles while allowing users to manually activate it, reflecting a balance between innovation and safety [2][3]. Regulatory Changes - The regulation emphasizes "prioritizing choice," allowing consumers to opt for single-pedal mode while mitigating technical risks associated with its default activation [3]. - The new standard establishes compliance boundaries and safety baselines for innovative technologies, particularly concerning electric transmission braking systems [6]. Safety Concerns - Research indicates that approximately 34% of traffic accidents involving single-pedal vehicles from 2022 to 2024 were related to pedal misoperation, with experienced drivers being 20% more likely to misoperate compared to novice drivers [3]. - A study revealed that 28% of passengers experienced discomfort in single-pedal vehicles, compared to only 5% in traditional fuel vehicles, highlighting concerns about ride comfort [3][4]. Industry Response - Companies like Tesla have adjusted their technology post-recall, introducing features that allow users to adjust regenerative braking intensity, while new entrants like NIO and Xpeng are also offering customizable regenerative modes in their latest models [6][7]. - The shift towards safety redundancy in design is becoming a consensus in the industry, with companies developing next-generation braking systems that maintain single-pedal convenience while ensuring multiple safety layers [7]. Future Directions - The integration of single-pedal operation with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) is being explored, potentially enhancing safety and user acceptance [9]. - The industry is moving towards personalized driving experiences, with developments in biometric recognition systems that adapt vehicle settings to individual drivers [9]. - The new regulation encourages a focus on the quality of technology rather than just its presence, marking a significant evolution in the regulatory mindset as the industry matures [9].