Motor regen is good to recover energy when you want to slow down. But apparently the most efficient way to drive is to coast as much as possible, rather than always trying to regen when off the gas. These motors let you do that without needing a clutch.
I think BMW's implementation of one pedal driving uses front radar and map info to adapt between coasting and regen as needed to get the most efficiency.
Their existing ICE cars also have a coast mode where they disconnect the engine from the transmission when you're not giving it gas (to eliminate engine braking). That function is only active when you put the car in eco mode. It's surprisingly smooth and responsive, you can't really feel the engine disconnect and reconnect as you're driving.
I think BMW's implementation of one pedal driving uses front radar and map info to adapt between coasting and regen as needed to get the most efficiency.
Their existing ICE cars also have a coast mode where they disconnect the engine from the transmission when you're not giving it gas (to eliminate engine braking). That function is only active when you put the car in eco mode. It's surprisingly smooth and responsive, you can't really feel the engine disconnect and reconnect as you're driving.