The anticipated new Chevy Bolt EV, set to arrive at Canadian dealerships soon with up to 320 kilometres of electric range, will allow the driver to stop the car without using the brake pedal in certain conditions, General Motors says.
You can thank the sophisticated regenerative braking system and additional software controls for that.
“Bolt EV customers who want an engaging driving experience will love the thrill of one-pedal driving,” said Bolt EV Chief Engineer Josh Tavel. “They will be able to tailor the vehicle to their preferred driving style and maximize their range.”
Progressively stronger levels of regen braking are employed in all Chevy Bolt EV driving through a series of four driver-selectable modes:
- Operating in Drive and easing off the accelerator;
- Operating in Drive and using the Regen on Demand paddle on the back of the steering wheel;
- Operating in Low and easing off the accelerator;
- Operating in Low and using the Regen on Demand paddle in tandem.
General Motors cautions that one-pedal modes do not eliminate the need to use the brake pedal altogether, especially in emergency situations.