The Gen2 Nissan Leaf has an "e-pedal" that works differently so I can't speak for that, but for the Gen1 Leaf and a 2018 Model 3 you absolutely use the brake pe

The Gen2 Nissan Leaf has an "e-pedal" that works differently so I can't speak for that, but for the Gen1 Leaf and a 2018 Model 3 you absolutely use the brake pedal. The difference is that Regenerative Braking just changes your timing when switching from Accelerator to Brake, it doesn't eliminate it entirely. Have you driven a standard transmission ICE? Downshifting into a lower gear is a very similar experience to regenerative braking. It's an aggressive deceleration that will slow the car from high speeds but it's no replacement for actual brakes. For someone inexperienced with an EV, the lack of Regenerative Braking would feel like driving a normal car. For someone familiar with it, you're immediately aware of it's absence. In an ICE you coast by taking your foot of the accelerator, in an EV you coast by applying 10% pressure to the pedal (I made that % up). The reason you need 10% pressure to coast is that anything under that amount is where regenerative braking functions. So there's a weight to the pedal that isn't there when regenerative braking is gone. It's hard to explain without driving an EV but it would be like using a computer mouse without the scroll wheel. You're keenly aware of it and if it's not there.