2017 Chevy Bolt EV To Feature Various “One-Pedal” Driving Options

One of the most touted advantages of electric vehicles is the ability to recapture significant amounts of energy through the use of regenerative braking, which is then used to recharge the battery. This ability varies somewhat by model, with some possessing very aggressive regenerative braking systems that can allow for so-called “one-pedal driving” — whereby the use of the brake pedal can be nearly completely ceased. The Chevy Bolt will apparently be quite good on this front.

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

According to a new press release from Chevrolet, the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV will feature a number of different options on this count — with 4 different driver-selectable modes available. These are:

• 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.

The press release continues, noting that, “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.)”

And: “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% of range to the Bolt EV.”

That is to be expected, based just on the Chevy Volt plug-in hybrid’s abilities, but still good to hear. Aggressive regenerative braking is certainly one of my favorite parts of driving an electric vehicle.