Electric cars prove we need to rethink brake lights
Technology Connections・2 minutes read
Brake lights and turn signals, especially in new car models with combined signals, are a significant concern for the speaker, criticizing the dangerously inadequate brake light system in the US-market 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5. The speaker emphasizes the importance of brake lights for warning other drivers of sudden stops, favoring General Motors' accelerometer-based brake light activation system over Hyundai's setup.
Insights
- Brake lights and turn signals are a significant concern for the speaker, especially when combined signals are present in new car models, emphasizing the critical role of brake lights in warning other drivers of sudden stops and criticizing the Hyundai Ioniq 5's brake light functionality.
- The Chevrolet Bolt's successful implementation of a one-pedal driving mode with a separate paddle for full regen and an accelerometer-based brake light activation system is highlighted as superior to the Hyundai Ioniq 5's setup, suggesting potential improvements in brake light activation methods for enhanced safety.
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Recent questions
Why are brake lights and turn signals important in cars?
Brake lights and turn signals are crucial safety features in cars as they communicate the driver's intentions to other road users. Brake lights warn drivers behind of a sudden stop, reducing the risk of rear-end collisions. Turn signals indicate when a driver intends to change lanes or make a turn, promoting safe and predictable driving behavior on the road.
What is regenerative braking in electric cars?
Regenerative braking in electric cars is a technology that converts the kinetic energy of the vehicle into electrical energy when the driver lifts off the accelerator or applies the brakes. This process helps recharge the car's battery, improving energy efficiency and reducing wear on traditional friction brakes. It also allows for one-pedal driving, where the accelerator pedal controls both acceleration and braking.
How do modern cars control brake lights?
Modern cars, especially those with advanced features like radar adaptive cruise control or automatic emergency braking, control brake lights through software. The activation of brake lights is often tied to specific driving modes, pedal positions, or deceleration rates to ensure that other drivers are alerted to the vehicle's actions on the road.
What is one-pedal driving in electric vehicles?
One-pedal driving in electric vehicles is a driving mode that allows the driver to control both acceleration and braking using only the accelerator pedal. When the driver lifts off the pedal, regenerative braking kicks in, slowing down the vehicle without the need to use the brake pedal. This driving style can enhance energy efficiency and provide a more engaging driving experience for electric car owners.
How do different regen settings affect brake light activation?
Different regenerative braking settings in electric vehicles can impact how aggressively the car slows down and when the brake lights illuminate. Depending on the regen setting chosen by the driver, the car may decelerate more or less rapidly, affecting the timing of brake light activation to signal to other drivers on the road. It is essential for manufacturers to calibrate these settings effectively to ensure safe and consistent brake light functionality.
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Summary
00:00
Brake Light Concerns in Modern Cars
- Brake lights and turn signals are a significant concern for the speaker, especially when combined signals are present in new car models.
- Modern cars with features like radar adaptive cruise control or automatic emergency braking require brake lights to be controlled by software.
- The Hyundai Ioniq 5's brake light system, particularly in the US-market 2022 model, is deemed dangerously inadequate by the speaker.
- One-pedal driving in electric cars allows for regenerative braking, where the accelerator pedal can also control braking.
- Traditional brake pedals in electric cars still exist but are not the sole trigger for brake light activation in certain driving modes.
- Different regen settings in the Hyundai Ioniq 5 affect how aggressively the car slows down and when the brake lights illuminate.
- The i-Pedal mode in the Hyundai Ioniq 5 enables true one-pedal driving, with excellent braking performance but flawed brake light activation.
- The speaker highlights the importance of brake lights in warning other drivers of sudden stops and criticizes the Hyundai Ioniq 5's brake light functionality.
- The Chevrolet Bolt, released in 2016, offers a successful one-pedal driving mode with a separate paddle for full regen and a shifter for drive modes.
- General Motors implemented an accelerometer-based brake light activation system in the Chevrolet Bolt, which the speaker finds superior to the Hyundai Ioniq 5's brake light setup.
14:01
Brake light concerns and regulations in cars
- Brake lights on cars with automatic transmission are a concern when stopped in traffic.
- The 2022 model Bolts fixed the issue of brake lights going out when stopped.
- Using an accelerometer to control brake lights is questioned, suggesting using accelerator pedal position instead.
- Hyundai's brake lights behavior based on pedal position is praised initially.
- Hyundai's brake lights only come on when the pedal is fully released, which is criticized.
- Combustion-powered cars with adaptive cruise control need aggressive brake lights activation.
- Hyundai's adaptive cruise control works well with brake lights, but the i-Pedal mode is problematic.
- Federal regulations require brake lights to activate upon service brake application.
- Regenerative braking systems are considered part of the service brake system under specific conditions.
- Proposed updates to regulations aim to standardize brake light activation based on deceleration rates.
28:35
Inadequate Brake Lights Pose Safety Concerns
- The standard does not require stop lamps to be activated upon acceleration, which does not violate federal motor vehicle safety standards due to a technicality. A better solution would be to separate the signals into dedicated amber indicator lights to avoid confusion. If a driver can prove your brake lights weren't working during an accident, it could lead to issues, especially with Hyundai cars having dim brake lights. The text also criticizes the lack of brightness in both car lighting regulations and Hyundai's brake lights.
