Tesla Stopping Mode: Never Use the Brake Pedal!
By choosing one of the three stopping modes on a Tesla EV, the driver can decide how the vehicle will react when it slows during deceleration. Tesla has 3 stopping modes: Creep, Roll and Hold. These options are only available on the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y.
What is Tesla Stopping Mode?
When pressure is removed from the accelerator pedal, Tesla’s regenerative braking automatically slows the vehicle. However just before the vehicle is at a complete stop, Tesla’s stopping mode will determine precisely how the vehicle reacts before the driver touches the brake pedal.
Tesla has 3 stopping modes: Hold, Creep and Roll
What Are Tesla’s Three Stopping Modes?
1. Hold Mode
When in Hold Mode, the Tesla will quickly slow itself down to a complete stop, and will apply the brake automatically without the driver having to touch the brake pedal.
Whether on a slope or a flat road, as long as the driver doesn’t touch the accelerator pedal, the vehicle will remain stopped. Hold Mode also works when the vehicle is in reverse.
One Pedal Driving: Never Use the Brake!
Once the driver applies pressure to the accelerator pedal again, the vehicle will start to move. This is referred to as, “One Pedal Driving”.
New Tesla drivers tend to take their foot off the accelerator and hit the brake pedal, which causes more of a sudden deceleration. But with a bit of practice, it is possible to drive all day and never touch the brake pedal at all!
One Pedal Driving does take some getting used to, however most Tesla owners report that they are completely comfortable with this within 3 to 4 days.
It is possible to drive all day and never touch the brake pedal.
Hold Mode Can Optimize Brakes and Batteries
Hold Mode uses regenerative braking more often at lower speeds than Creep Mode or Roll Mode. This helps to reduce brake wear and puts more energy back into the battery than when using either of the other two modes.
Switching From Hold to Park
If the vehicle has been stopped in Hold Mode for approximately 10 minutes, the Tesla will automatically shift the car into “Park”. In order to move the car, the driver will have to shift the vehicle into “Drive” or “Reverse”.
Similarly, if the driver’s door is opened while stopped in Hold Mode, the Tesla will automatically shift the car into “Park”. In order to move the car, the driver will have to shift the vehicle into “Drive” or “Reverse”.
2. Creep Mode
Creep Mode is most similar to a traditional gas-powered vehicle. When the vehicle is stopped and the driver takes their foot off the brake, the vehicle will start to move – similar to a traditional gas car.
Creep Mode is great to use for new Tesla drivers or when in stop-and-crawl traffic for a long period of time.
Read more about Creep Mode here
3. Roll Mode
Roll mode is similar to putting your vehicle in neutral gear. When the car is stopped or almost stopped, Roll Mode will allow the car to roll freely. If the vehicle is on a hill while in Roll Mode, the vehicle will roll down the slope without engaging the brake or the regenerative braking.
While in Creep or Roll Mode, if the driver presses and holds the brake pedal for a few seconds, the vehicle will automatically ‘Hold’ just like it would in Hold Mode. But, once the driver touches the accelerator, the vehicle will return to the previous setting (either Creep or Roll Mode).
How Do You Change the Stopping Mode on a Tesla?
To change the Stopping Mode:
- The Tesla must be in “Park”
- The Stopping Mode can only be set from the touch screen inside the vehicle
- Tap on the Car Icon on the bottom left > Pedals & Steering > under Stopping Mode you will see the three choices of Creep, Roll or Hold.
Can You Turn Off “One Pedal Driving” on Tesla?
Tesla regenerative braking cannot be adjusted, however, placing the vehicle in Creep Mode will allow the car to act most similarly to a traditional gas vehicle. Therefore, the vehicle will rapidly slow down on its own, but the brake will still need to be applied in order to come to a complete stop.
What Is the Best Stopping Mode to Use on My Tesla?
In a 2020 survey, Tesla drivers were asked what their preferred Stopping Mode was. The vast majority (84%) indicated that Hold Mode was their preferred mode.
Hold mode does take a few days to get used to, but driving with one pedal makes for a much more relaxed and comfortable driving experience.
FAQ
Why Can’t I Change the Stopping Mode? It’s Greyed Out
The vehicle must be in Park to change the Stopping Mode. Stopping mode can only be changed from inside the Tesla, using the touch screen.
Do All Teslas Have Creep Mode?
Creep mode is not available on the Models X and S that are in current production. Only the models 3 and Y have Creep Mode. This may change in the future with software upgrades.
What is the Difference Between Tesla Creep VS Roll Modes?
Driving in Creep Mode is similar to operating a traditional gas vehicle. When the driver removes their foot from the brake, the car will start to move forward slowly.
Roll Mode is most similar to being in neutral or driving a manual transmission vehicle and pressing in on the clutch. The vehicle will free roll. Drivers who want to reduce their regenerative braking should select Creep or Roll Mode.
