American car manufacturer Cadillac has announced recently that their new 2014 ELR model will be fitted with a regenerative braking system that can be activated on demand.
Known as “Regen-on-Demand”, the braking system can be activated by the driver when he takes his foot off the accelerator and pulls one of the steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The car will then start to slow down while charging the batteries. The system can be stopped by releasing the paddle, allowing the vehicle to coast normally.
“Pulling back on the paddle to slow down allows the ELR driver to keep their foot close to the throttle, ready to accelerate. It provides a more engaged, satisfying driving experience, and when you consider the added benefit of re-capturing energy, it’s also a smart thing to do,” said ELR chief engineer Chris Thomason.
“Pulling back on the paddle to slow down allows the ELR driver to keep their foot close to the throttle, ready to accelerate. It provides a more engaged, satisfying driving experience, and when you consider the added benefit of re-capturing energy, it’s also a smart thing to do,” said ELR chief engineer Chris Thomason.