Chevy Bolt's ‘one pedal’ driving adds up to 5% electric range
The forthcoming Chevrolet Bolt electric vehicle will allow drivers to maximize their electric range via selectable “one pedal” driving ranges. General Motors (GM) explained that one-pedal driving “combines the highest available level of regenerative (regen) braking, which captures otherwise lost energy from deceleration and sends it back to the Bolt EV battery pack for the greatest total vehicle range.” Engineers from GM found one-pedal driving increased the Bolt's range by up to 5%; it already boasts 200 miles of all-electric range. Software controls also mean energy from regen braking can be used without even having to use the brake pedal in certain driving conditions. Drivers can choose from four separate modes that offer progressively stronger levels of regen braking.

The 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV will offer drivers a customizable one-pedal driving experience that allows for maximum total vehicle range. One-pedal driving combines the highest available level of regenerative braking, which captures otherwise lost energy from deceleration and sends it back to the Bolt EV battery pack for the greatest total vehicle range. Along with … Continued

The 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV will offer drivers a customizable one-pedal driving experience that allows for maximum total vehicle range.

One-pedal driving combines the highest available level of regenerative braking, which captures otherwise lost energy from deceleration and sends it back to the Bolt EV battery pack for the greatest total vehicle range. Along with additional software controls, regen braking allows the driver to stop the vehicle without using the brake pedal in certain driving conditions.

“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 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.

Number 1 provides the lowest level of regen braking and requires the use of the brake pedal to bring the vehicle to a complete stop. Numbers 2-4 are progressively stronger one-pedal driving modes that in certain driving situations allow a driver to stop the vehicle without using the brake pedal. (One-pedal modes do not eliminate the need to use the brake pedal altogether, especially in emergency situations.)

Using a vehicle simulation model, engineers compared regen performance on a testing cycle that simulated heavy stop-and-go traffic in Drive and another using one-pedal driving while in Low and also the Regen on Demand paddle. The engineers found that the one-pedal driving can add up to 5 percent of range to the Bolt EV.

During interviews with Chevrolet, EV enthusiasts expressed their desire for one-pedal driving capability. Bolt EV owners, much like Chevrolet’s enthusiastic Volt customers, will enjoy using regen braking to maximize every charge of the vehicle’s 60 kWh battery pack. The Bolt EV is GM-estimated to provide 200 miles or more of range.

Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world’s largest car brands, doing business in more than 115 countries and selling more than 4.0 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, design that makes the heart beat, passive and active safety features and easy-to-use technology, all at a value. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.