Chevy Talks One-Pedal Drive Modes for the Upcoming Bolt

2017 Chevrolet Bolt (Credit: Chevrolet)

The upcoming 200-mile Chevrolet Bolt is one of the hottest topics among green-car fans. Sadly, after its debut, things went on radio silence, but today we finally get our Bolt fix as Chevy has outlined its one-pedal drive modes.

We all know that the Bolt, like all other EVs, will use regenerative braking to extend its range. The Bolt, however, will have a unique regenerative-braking system that is so powerful that it’ll stop the car in certain situations. There are four specific ways to take advantage of the Bolt’s one-pedal driving feature.

The first mode is the least invasive, as the driver leaves the car in “Drive” and simply eases their foot off the accelerator. This is the least aggressive of the systems, resulting in the least regenerative benefits, but it’ll still stop the car without the driver having to touch the brakes. To enhance the level of energy gained from braking in this manner, the driver can pull the “Regen On Demand” paddle behind the steering wheel. This second method delivers a little more regenerative-braking energy.

For extra energy collection, the driver can put the Bolt in “Low” and either ease off the accelerator or pull the “Regen On Demand” paddle. The latter method captures the most energy from the braking system.

Chevy has found that effective use of these systems results in about a 5 percent extension of the Bolt’s range.

Now, before you start thinking that you’ll never have to touch the brake pedal, this is not the case. This system only works in certain situations and is not effective enough to replace all brake-pedal input. This is especially true in emergency-braking situations.

More details on the Bolt, which is supposed to hit showrooms later this year, should start rolling out soon. Stay tuned for updates.