The 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV will come with a novel regenerative braking feature achieved via a single paddle placed just behind the steering.
The idea isn't earth-shattering as regenerative braking is something that hybrid or electric vehicles have been using for quite some time now to maximize battery power. However, as Electrek has put it, GM is taking things to a new level by introducing different modes or settings to allow drivers with varying driving styles to squeeze out the most of the available battery power.
The idea is basically the same as energy from declaration is channelled back to the storage, which according to GM can enhance battery capacity by up to 5 percent. With the brakes not coming into the picture, those get preserved too and will have a longer life span.
Also, while braking can still be actuated in emergency situations, driving using the regenerative braking feature makes for an engaging experience in itself. As the feature gets engaged the moment one eases off the accelerator, the new Chevy Bolt will come with the 'Regen on Demand paddle' that enhances the rate of energy regeneration significantly, Motor1 reported.
As revealed by GM, there are 4 distinct driving modes as mentioned below in ascending order of regen capacity.
1. Operating in Drive and easing off the accelerator.
2. Operating in Drive and using the Regen on Demand paddle on the back of the steering wheel.
3. Operating in Low and easing off the accelerator.
4. Operating in Low and using the Regen on Demand paddle in tandem.
The first setting allows for the least regen and requires stomping on the brakes to bring the car to a stop. Thereafter, setting 2 - 4 allows for progressively higher regen, which in the highest setting will allow the driver to bring the car to a complete stop without hitting the brake pedal. GM is claiming 200+ miles of range from Bolt's 60 kWh battery pack though drivers now have the option to enhance the range further using the regenerative braking feature.
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