Electric vehicles (EVs) deliver all their power and torque when you press the accelerator pedal; the power delivery does not increase gradually like in traditional ICE (internal combustion engine) vehicles. This seems like an instant response on paper, but the pedal control system they use is exactly the same as the ones on ICE vehicles. They all use drive-by-wire pedals.
When you actually drive an EV, you’ll realize there is still a hesitation in power delivery. Yes, all the power comes into play, but after a slight delay. Manufacturers often introduce a slight “smoothing” delay to ensure comfort, safety, and battery longevity. This programmed hesitation means you get full power only after a brief moment, even if you floor the pedal. An accelerator response controller like Pedal Commander or Fukin Tuned promises to eliminate this lag and give you a more immediate and customizable pedal feel.
What Is an Accelerator Response Controller?
Pedal Commander and Fukin Tuned accelerator response controllers intercept the signal from the pedal position sensor and remap it with vehicle-specific custom software. Each unit allows you to customize the pedal sensitivity.
These devices are specifically adapted for EVs and their unique driving characteristics and plug directly into the pedal’s wiring harness.
How It Works in an EV
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Signal Interception
Both Fukin Tuned and Pedal Commander connect inline with the your EV’s pedal travel sensor. Each time you press the pedal, the device reads the digital output. -
Custom Mapping
Pre-loaded vehicle-specific maps inside both units modify the pedal sensor reading. Both Pedal Commander and Fukin Tuned offer four main driving modes, ranging from ultra-smooth to razor-sharp. You can fine-tune each mode across nine aggressiveness levels in both controllers to suit conditions like city traffic, wet roads, highway runs, or spirited driving. -
Adjusted Output
The remapped signal passes to the electric motor controller, sharpening throttle response, reducing jerkiness, or smoothing low-speed operation based on your chosen driving mode and aggressiveness level.
Benefits of a Pedal Commander or Fukin Tuned in an EV
- No Pedal Lag: Erase the factory’s acceleration delay and enjoy a more direct and dynamic connection between your pedal input and motor output.
- Personalized Driving: Customize the power delivery exactly how you like it. Pedal Commander offers Range+, City, Dynamic, and Hyper; while Fukin Tuned offers Slow, Cruise, Fast, and Send It. Tailor your EV’s responsiveness from relaxed cruising to instant punch with four modes and 36 individual settings in each unit.
- Improved Low-Speed Control: Smooth out stop-and-go traffic, make parking maneuvers less jerky, or get more control on slippery surfaces by dialing back the aggressiveness.
- Improved Acceleration and Overall Performance: With no delay, you'll enjoy the real potential of your EV. The off-the-line acceleration will be even quicker, reducing the 0-60 times. The overall performance will be transformed with the instant response you'll get from each of your pedal inputs.
- Valet Mode: Pedal Commander’s Range+ and Fukin Tuned’s Slow modes perfectly double as a valet mode. You’ll have the peace of mind knowing the valet won’t be able to access the full power of your EV.
- Potential Range Gain: With the correct driving behaviour, you can get up to 15% more range out of one full charge in Pedal Commander’s Range+ or Fukin Tuned’s Fukin Slow modes.
- Seamless Vehicle Security: Each unit comes with a built-in Anti-Theft mode. It is free to try for the first 14 days, and then requires a subscription which costs $0.99 a month or $9.99 a year. Unlike custom solutions, the Anti-Theft feature in each unit is a perfect kill switch that requires no permanent changes or DIY work.
True Plug-and-Play Install, DIY Tuning
The installation process is exactly the same in both Pedal Commander and Fukin Tuned. It is straightforward, plug and play, and a small, 15-minute DIY project. Just unplug the stock pedal harness, plug your controller’s harness in line, mount the Pedal Commander controller anywhere you like or if you opted for Fukin Tuned, stash and secure the module somewhere in the footwell area, and you’re done.
How to Use Pedal Commander or Fukin Tuned in Your EV?
While the two units offer almost the same result, their main difference is how you interact with them.
Pedal Commander has a compact and sleek dedicated controller unit that you can use to adjust the modes and settings. It is also Bluetooth-enabled, so you can go wireless, and use the free mobile app, too.
Fukin Tuned is wireless-only. After installation, you need to register your unit and control the modes and settings through the app, there is no physical controller.
Upgrade Your EV Instantly
So, does a throttle response—or more accurately, an accelerator response controller—work on an electric vehicle? Yes. Both Fukin Tuned and Pedal Commander throttle response controllers eliminate the factory delay, and give you the power to customize the electric motor’s responsiveness. With range-extending capabilities, additional vehicle security solutions, and user-friendly mobile apps, both units are a great upgrade for your EV.
Grab your Pedal Commander or Fukin Tuned, and transform every drive with your EV into a thrilling experience!
