Purpose: The properties of materials under impact load are introduced in terms of metal, nonmetallic materials and composite materials. And the application of impact load research in biological fields is also mentioned. The current hot research topics and achievements in this field are summarized. In addition, some problems in theoretical modeling and testing of the mechanical properties of materials are discussed.Design/methodology/approach: The situation of materials under impact load is of great significance to show the mechanical performance. The performance of various materials under impact load is different, and there are many research methods. It is affected by some kinds of factors, such as the temperature, the gap and the speed of load.Findings: The research on mechanical properties of materials under impact load has the characteristics as fellow. It is difficult to build the theoretical model, verify by experiment and analyze the data accumulation.Originality/value: This review provides a reference for further study of material properties.

More than 25% of vehicle kinetic energy can be recycled under urban driving cycles. A single-pedal control strategy for regenerative braking is proposed to further enhance energy efficiency. Acceleration and deceleration are controlled by a single pedal, which alleviates driving intensity and prompts energy recovery. Regenerative braking is theoretically analyzed based on the construction of the single-pedal system, vehicle braking dynamics, and energy conservation law. The single-pedal control strategy is developed by considering daily driving conditions, and a single-pedal simulation model is established. Typical driving cycles are simulated to verify the effectiveness of the single-pedal control strategy. A dynamometer test is conducted to confirm the validity of the simulation model. Results show that using the single-pedal control strategy for electric vehicles can effectively improve the energy recovery rate and extend the driving range under the premise of ensuring safety while braking. The study lays a technical foundation for the optimization of regenerative braking systems and development of single-pedal control systems, which are conducive to the promotion and popularization of electric vehicles.