Lifting off the accelerator in the i3 provokes such a distinct braking effect as the electric motor switches instantly to energy recuperation mode that it can come as a surprise to anyone accustomed to the way most cars behave on a trailing throttle. The strength of the deceleration varies depending on how fast the car is going (it’s much gentler at higher speeds), but essentially it’s like carefully applying the conventional brakes, the car bringing itself to a brisk halt if you let it. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
What this pronounced ‘engine braking’ means is that for much of the time you can drive the i3 using just the one pedal. And when you think about how many times…
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Autocar (Digital) - 1 Issue, 23/07/2014