One-Pedal Driving Coming To The 2017 Bolt EV

General Motors has recently announced that the 2017 Bolt EV will offer the use regenerative braking, allowing for “one-pedal driving” and maximum total vehicle range. Not sure what this means? In a nutshell, regenerative braking gives this electric vehicle the ability to recapture significant amounts of energy and use it to recharge the battery. If the regenerative braking system is powerful enough, it can almost completely emit the need of using the brake pedal- therefore, we have one-pedal driving. 

“Bolt EV customers who want an engaging driving experience will love the thrill of one-pedal driving,” stated Josh Tavel, Bolt EV Chief Engineer. “They will be able to tailor the vehicle to their preferred driving style and maximize their range.”

According to a test run by Chevrolet engineers, a whopping 5 percent of range can be added to the Bolt EV when using one-pedal driving. In a series of four modes, the driver can customize the experience to fit their needs. These modes include:

• 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

Each of these modes will provide various levels of regen braking. A Chevrolet press release states that number 1 provides the lowest level of regen braking and still requires the brake pedal to bring the Bolt to a stop. Numbers 2-4 are one-pedal driving modes that get progressively stronger. Using these modes in certain situations, the driver will be able to stop the vehicle without the use of the brake pedal.

Many electric vehicle enthusiasts are thrilled about this technology. Using regenerative braking, the Bolt EV can surpass its already 200+ miles of range… and that’s what it’s all about!

We’ll let you know when it arrives at Jim Butler Chevrolet in St. Louis!