In the current car you operate regenerative braking by either using the brake pedal or by putting the drive selector in the "L" position.
When driving in "D" and pressing the brake pedal lightly, the first brake force application is regen braking, starting with just a little then progressing to full regen braking capacity with application of greater pedal pressure. Stepping harder on the pedal at that point will cause the friction brakes to progressively apply, up to the point where the anti-lock brake system takes over to stop the car.
When driving in "L", regen braking starts when the driver lifts his or her foot from the accelerator pedal, starting with just a little braking force then increasing as the drivers foot lifts completely off the pedal. Additional regen braking can then be found by pressing the brake pedal, followed by the application of friction braking as more brake pedal pressure is applied.
Either method uses regenerative braking to recapture some of the energy of the moving vehicle and the driver is always in control of the amount of braking force the car produces. Driving in "D" is similar to driving a normal car in "D" in that it is more like coasting then actually slowing down. Driving in "L" is like driving a normal car with the transmission selector placed in a lower gear setting to make the car slow down.
Since you are driving a 2013 Volt, (I drive a 2014 Volt), I believe you know plenty about Volt Gen 1. I am curious about what you believe is required of Volt Gen 2 to blow you away. As with almost all Volt drivers, I would like to see additional AER (50+), additional CS mpg (50+), a smoother, quieter range extender that runs on regular gas, that 5th seat that everybody is looking for, and adaptive cruise control. What is on your Volt Gen2 wish list?
My 2014 Volt does have a few downsides. Here is my wish list:
Revert to simple controls for the radio and HVAC. The current HVAC controls are insane. They require that you take your eyes off the road and take several steps.
My Volt windshield constantly fogs up. The windshield defroster is a complete joke. How about an electric window defroster (optional ok with me) like Ford and Land Rover offer. Using the electric heated seats and the option of an electric windshield will offer greater range vs using the standard defroster/heat in colder months.
Windshield wipers - Revert to standard operation - although I just saw in the video that this will not be happening.
Roomier back seat. Although this wish can apply to many GM vehicles, the back seat in the Volt is very tight, and awkward in positioning.
SUNROOF, SUNROOF, SUNROOF. As many of us know, it is almost impossible to open a window when driving a Volt above 30 miles per hour. It's so bad in fact, that GM has issued a TSB on the problem. Aerodynamics are the reason? Fine, then how about giving us a MANUAL, SIMPLE pop-up type sunroof?
Body Build Quality: The exterior panels on my Volt are an interesting combination of placement. I am sure the next generation will have better fit and finish.
More range would of course be nice. I would be happy with an EPA figure of 50 miles vs the current 38.
The charge setting by GPS on the NG Volt is a great feature for those of us who use 110v charging.
Headlamps: I would really like to see LED type lighting. If Toyota can make them standard on the Corolla, perhaps the NG Volt can explore the possibility also.
Premium Gas: I understand the NG Volt will not require premium gas. Great!
Better heated seats. Bottom cushion heating is nice, but can we add heating to the rest of the seat?
All in all I am VERY happy with my current Volt, and am really looking forward to the new Volt.
Give me a toggle switch (like that in the early Prius) that allows one to cycle the climate system on and off with ease.
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