Cadillac’s ELR converts momentum into electricity for use later on

Cadillac has given new purpose to the practice of “paddle shifting” with its first line of electric vehicles, the ELR. Where traditional steering-wheel-mounted paddles allow drivers to upshift and downshift the mechanical transmission, the paddle shifters in Cadillac’s ELR allow drivers to temporarily regenerate energy and store it as electricity for use later on.

Cadillac ELR’s paddle shifters enable the driver to temporarily regenerate energy and store it as electricity in the battery pack for later use.

Referred to Regen on Demand , the technology provides vehicle deceleration that’s a little bit more than what a driver would experience while coasting. This provides control and dynamic performance characteristics akin to downshifting in a manual-transmission vehicle, and it also captures the vehicle’s momentum and converts it into power for use later on.

“Pulling back on the paddle to slow down allows the ELR driver to keep their foot close to the throttle, ready to accelerate,” said Chris Thomason, ELR chief engineer. “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.”

While it does not bring the ELR to a full stop, taking one’s foot off the accelerator and pulling back on the left or right steering wheel paddle takes the vehicle’s momentum, converts it to electrical power, and stores the energy in the T-shaped battery packed located along the centerline of the car.

Rendering displays the battery and propulsion system technology in the 2014 Cadillac ELR.

Regen on Demand is part of the ELR’s blended regenerative braking system and is specially tasked with recapturing energy that would otherwise be lost as heat in the brakes when slowing down. If, however, more brake force is needed, standard four-channel anti-lock braking kicks in to provide greater stopping power.

For those curious about some of the car’s other specs, the energy Regen on Demand captures go to an advanced electric drive unit capable of 295 lb/ft of instant torque to propel the vehicle. If using only the energy stored in the battery, the ELR’s estimated range is approximately 35 miles, depending upon temperature, terrain, and driving techniques.

The Cadillac ELR can be charged with a 120-V electrical outlet or dedicated 240V charging station. It takes about 4.5 hours to charge up 100% using the latter source.

Cadillac's ELR will go on sale in early 2014.

Story via: media.gm.com