The Cadillac ELR's On Demand Regenerative Braking

Gas-electric hybrids, electric cars and plug-in hybrids all have regenerative braking that recaptures energy under moderate braking and stores it in the battery pack. In the new Cadillac ELR, which is what GM calls an "extended range electric coupe" and is based on the Chevrolet Volt, you can control the regenerative braking with paddles beside the steering wheel.

When the driver removes her or her foot from the accelerator pedal, he or she can pull on either of the paddles to slow down the car. It can be used for situations like slowing down into a corner, or decelerating into slower traffic. It's similar to downshifting in a conventional gasoline automobile. While the Regen on Demand, as it is called, will slow the vehicle, it will not completely stop the vehicle. If you release the paddles while you are not stepping on the accelerator or brake pedal, the car will coast like a normal gasoline car would coast if you were to not step on any pedals.

All of this adds up to "the driver taking [a] more active role in the electric vehicle driving experience," as the ELR's chief engineer says.

The ELR arrives in early 2014.

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