Regen On Demand is derivative of Regenerative Braking, which is a form of GM electric vehicle technology for EVs and PHEVs alike. Otherwise known as ‘one-pedal driving’, Regen On Demand allows the driver to slow the vehicle to a stop without the use of the brake pedal, as the regenerative braking mechanism initiates as soon as the accelerator pedal is released.
How It Works
To clarify, GM’s Regenerative Braking technology is comprised of an electro-hydraulic regenerative brake system that captures braking energy, which is normally wasted in a conventional vehicle, and transfers it to (i.e. charges) the battery system. The friction braking system features large rotors with a special finishing process that protects against corrosion and promotes longer life. As stated, Regen On Demand allows drivers to use this function without using the brake pedal.
Notably, Regen On Demand can be found in vehicles as early as the 2014 Cadillac ELR, though the four-mode iteration was introduced with the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The newer version offers progressively stronger levels of regen braking, which are matched to four driver-selectable modes that are designated by the corresponding numerical values. 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.)
The modes coincide with the following functionalities:
- Operating in Drive and
- Easing off the accelerator
- Using the Regen on Demand paddle on the back of the steering wheel
- Operating in Low and
- Easing off the accelerator
- Using the Regen on Demand paddle in tandem
Benefits
The primary benefit of Regenerative Braking is efficiency, of course. The same could be said of Regen On Demand, as Chevrolet found the system to increase the Bolt EV’s range by up to five percent during heavy stop-and-go traffic simulations.
One might say that one-pedal driving also offers a form of convenience. Additionally, it gives drivers the ability to calibrate the technology to suit their own preferences.
“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.”
Of course, users should understand that such technology does not replace the use of a conventional brake pedal, as it is still very much necessary for sudden stops.
Applications
GM’s Regen On Demand technology is offered on the following vehicles:
Year | Make | Model | Powertrain | Horsepower (hp / kW) | Torque (lb-ft / Nm) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2011 – 2018 | Chevrolet | Volt | Voltec (1.4L I4 Gas + 17.1 kWh Battery) | 149 / 111 | 273 / 368 |
2014 & 2016 | Cadillac | ELR | Voltec (1.4L I4 Gas + 17.1 kWh Battery) | 233 / 173 | 327 / 443 |
2017 – 2019 | Chevrolet | Bolt EV | 60 kWh Battery | 200 / 150 | 266 / 360 |
2020 – Present | Chevrolet | Bolt EV | 66 kWh Battery | 200 / 150 | 266 / 360 |
2020 – Present | Chevrolet | Menlo EV | 52.5 kWh Battery | 148 / 110 | 258 / 349 |
*Note: the above table is in-progress, and is not yet comprehensive.
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