Regen on Demand Wins 2014 Green Car Technology Award

Green Car Journal praises Cadillac ELR-exclusive technology.

 

 

Green Car Journal today awarded the Cadillac ELR electrified luxury coupe its 2014 Green Car Technology Award for the Regen on Demand system, which allows the driver to use paddle shifters on the steering wheel to temporarily regenerate energy and store it as electricity in the battery pack for later use.

The award was announced Wednesday at The Washington Auto Show in Washington, D.C.

“Regen on Demand is one of the key systems enabling the Cadillac ELR to merge performance with efficiency in a dynamic new way,” said Jim Vurpillat, director of emerging markets at Cadillac. “Putting regenerative braking at the driver’s fingertips supports the ELR’s 340-mile total driving range while also adding a fun-to-drive element to the premium luxury coupe.”

Traditional performance vehicles allow drivers to upshift and downshift the mechanical transmission through steering wheel-mounted paddles. ELR’s Regen on Demand feature is unique to the vehicle and builds on Cadillac’s performance-bred heritage.

“Cadillac has cleverly evolved a common electric-drive efficiency system into an intriguing feature that adds a new dimension to the driving experience,” said Ron Cogan, editor and publisher of Green Car Journal and CarsOfChange.com.

“Ever-increasing efficiency is crucial to our driving future, yet efficiency itself is not an attraction for a great many car buyers,” he said. “Cadillac’s Regen on Demand is an inspired example of how technology can increase efficiency while connecting with a driver, enhancing driving dynamics along the way.”

Beyond the exclusive Regen on Demand system, the ELR comes equipped with standard advanced technology features such as Cadillac CUE with Navigation, light-emitting diode, or LED, front and rear exterior lighting, Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Alert, and the Safety Alert Seat.

The ELR interior features handcrafted leather complemented by authentic wood grain and chrome trim. Powering the ELR is a combination of pure electric drive and an efficient, range-extending 1.4L gasoline-powered electric generator. A T-shaped, 16.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack is located along the centerline of the vehicle, between the front and rear wheels to make the most of weight distribution. The pack supplies energy to an advanced electric drive unit to propel the vehicle.

Nationwide sales of the 2014 Cadillac ELR began earlier this month.

The 5 Best Car Chase Scenes of All Time

1. The Blues Brothers (1980)


 

2. To Live and Die in LA (1985)

 

3. The French Connection (1971)


 

4. Bullitt (1968)


 
5. Ronin (1998)

 

Cadillac Begins Shipping ELRs to Dealerships

General Motors’ Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly today began shipping 2014 Cadillac ELR electric luxury vehicles to dealerships.

The ELR luxury coupe is the first application of Extended Range Electric Vehicle technology by a full-line luxury automotive brand. It blends dramatic design and industry-leading extended-range technology to deliver a driving experience that is sporty and environmentally friendly.

The ELR’s driving range, which combines battery-only electric power with a range-extending gasoline-powered electric generator provides total driving range exceeding 300 miles (480 km). The extended range technology is uniquely tuned for Cadillac in the ELR. Most daily commutes will require no gasoline and emit no tailpipe emissions.

Today’s event marked the return of Cadillac production at Detroit-Hamtramck after a two-year hiatus. Employees last built the Cadillac DTS large sedan from 2006 to 2011.

Detroit-Hamtramck, which opened in 1985, is represented by UAW Local 22. In addition to the ELR, employees build the all-new Chevrolet Impala, Malibu and Volt; and Opel Ampera extended-range electric vehicle.

The plant has built some of GM’s best-selling and most important cars. The first vehicle produced for sale at Detroit-Hamtramck was a Cadillac Eldorado, which came off the end of the line on Feb. 4, 1985. Since then, more than 3.5 million Cadillac, Buick and Chevrolet cars have been built there.

"Smart Grid Ready" Explained

As you may have heard, the highly-anticipated Cadillac ELR will come directly out of the factory with the capability to communicate with the electric grid. Coined as "Smart Grid ready", this functionality promises some serious benefits. But, what are they and how does it work?

The ELR will use two existing technologies in conjunction with one another to make the system work. One is extended range electric vehicle technology. This is what come standard, in one form or another, on all GM hybrid-electric vehicles. The other system it will utilize is the OnStar cloud-based connection, which as you know is another common feature in newer model cars.

These technologies combined can be accessed via the RemoteLink Mobile App.

This application will allow drivers to monitor the current state of their ELR's metrics, such as: current state of charge, electric range and electric miles driven.

In addition, it will also empower ELR owners to control and schedule vehicle charging. For example, you could tell the car to charge only during off-peak hours, essentially saving you money. This is just one feature that will surely benefit customers. In the future, the implications of this type of technology are massive. 

“While RemoteLink is really our first Smart Grid service to be available for consumers, the same connection we use to enable the app’s EV functions can be used to open the door for more energy cost and load control benefits,” said Russ Eling, manager, Smart Grid and EV Services, General Motors.

Tell us, is this type of technology something you would be interested in?

Browse our current selection of vehicles by visiting the Rohrich Cadillac website. 

Cadillac Collaborates with Saks Fifth Avenue for 2013 Holiday Season

Exclusive White Diamond 2014 ELR offered in holiday catalog

Cadillac is collaborating with Saks Fifth Avenue this holiday season to create a unique window display featuring the all-new 2015 Escalade luxury SUV, and to offer an exclusive special-edition 2014 Saks Fifth Avenue ELR electrified luxury coupe through the 2013 Saks Holiday Catalog. Cadillac was also the official vehicle of Saks’ fall First LOOK Campaign.

Cadillac and Saks Fifth Avenue are rolling out their holiday festivities, hosting events at Saks retail stores in key markets with more events to follow throughout the fall and early winter.

On November 25, Cadillac and Saks Fifth Avenue will reveal a specially designed “Frozen Escalade” window display at the Saks flagship store near Rockefeller Center on Fifth Avenue in New York City. The display will feature a White Diamond 2015 Escalade with functioning light-emitting diode, or LED, running lamps, which appear embedded and breaking through a wall of ice. 

This year’s Saks Fifth Avenue Holiday Catalog features the 2014 Saks Fifth Avenue Special Edition Cadillac ELR. This package, limited to 100 units, will include a 2014 Cadillac ELR with a White Diamond exterior paint color only available through this package. Buyers will be able to choose between a Jet Black or Light Cashmere interior. Also included is an upgraded 240-volt charging station with professional installation and applicable permits, valued at up to $3,000.

Nitrogen: Is It Better for Your Car Tires?

If you don't already know, there is an alternative to regular air when it comes to inflating your tires. Many claim that there are numerous advantages to filling your cars tires with nitrogen, and perhaps there is some truth to that.

Green valve stems indicate nitrogen

You may have noticed some tires that have green valve stems and/or caps. Those tires have been inflated using pure nitrogen, rather than plain old air. Atmospheric air contains 78 percent nitrogen as it is. Typically, the nitrogen you put in your tires would be 93 percent pure or above, to achieve the desired benefits.

Purported benefits of filling your tires with nitrogen include:

• Better pressure retention
• Improved fuel economy
• Cooler running temperatures
• Tire-rot prevention

Now, some argue that the benefits of using nitrogen do not exceed that of the cost. At dealerships, the upgrade to nitrogen can cost anywhere between $50 and $180. Then you will have to pay roughly $6 per tire to refill them. Compare that to say 75 cents per tire to fill them with conventional air at most gas stations—or possibly for free, depending on your local stations—you can see why detractors arguments may be valid.

It is certain that your tires will stay inflated longer with nitrogen. That equates directly to better fuel economy. And while tire-rot is not as common with modern cars, there is still some tenable possibility to save money. Really what it comes down to is just trying it out for yourself and determining whether it is cost-effective in the long run.

Browse our current selection of vehicles or schedule a service appointment on the Rohrich Cadillac website.

The Leading Causes of Car Accidents: Anticipation Is the Best Prevention

Accidents occur when you least expect them. It's important to be able to anticipate which scenarios and conditions are most likely to cause an accident. It's an ability that comes only with experience. However, you can prepare yourself to deal with dangerous situations by familiarizing yourself with the circumstances that most often lead to accidents. Following are the six most common causes:

1. Distracted Drivers. This includes texting while driving. Studies have shown that even talking on your phone in hands-free mode can be enough to pull your attention away from the road. Other common activities in this category are rubbernecking, eating, looking at scenery and adjusting the radio. While some of these distractions are ultimately unavoidable, it's important to identify the right times to perform these tasks. If you're unsure, you can always pull off the road momentarily. 

2. Driver Fatigue. We've all been in that position where we're crunched for time on a road trip and push ourselves to the limit of sleep deprivation. It's common knowledge that it is extremely unsafe to continue on in this manner. About 100,000 accidents of this nature occur every year. Being aware of this fact is important to protect yourself on the road. The most dangerous time to encounter drowsy drivers is between 11pm and 8am. 

3. Drunk Driving. This one's a no-brainer. Don't do it. Also, be aware of holidays, weekends and peak times when it's most common that you will be sharing the road with this despicable type of motorist. 

4. Speeding. Sometimes exhibiting speed can be the difference between getting caught in a dangerous roadway situation and avoiding it. It's important to know instinctively when to do so. However, when on an open stretch of road, there is no reason not to obey the posted speed limit. Another thing to keep in mind is that driving significantly below the speed limit can also be dangerous. A good rule of thumb is to maintain speed with the flow of traffic. If you don't feel comfortable matching the speed of traffic around you, perhaps you should choose an alternate route. 

5. Aggressive Driving. The New York State Police defines an aggressive driver as somebody who, "Operates a motor vehicle in a selfish, bold or pushy manner, without regard for the rights or safety of the other users of the streets and highways." That is a fairly broad definition of the term. Specific examples include road-rage, tailgating and failure to yield right-of-way. Obviously, you never want to operate a motor vehicle in an emotional state that prevents you from making informed decisions. It's more difficult to avoid interaction with these type of people on the road. If you do run into an aggressive motorist remain calm, keep your distance and avoid passing this person. If you feel the situation may escalate, dial 911. 

6. Weather. This cause is completely uncontrollable. However, it still is avoidable. It's important to always inform yourself of weather conditions whenever you plan to be on the road. The radio is a great tool for ascertaining current conditions while on the road. 700 AM broadcasts current conditions in most cities across the country. If you do get caught driving in inclement weather, precautions can be taken to reduce the risk of losing control and/or colliding. Reduce speed, leave more room between yourself and the next car and perform smooth and calculated maneuvers. 

Be safe out there fans! Get more great automotive related content by following this blog and by visiting the Rotolo Chevrolet website. Feel free to share us what you think are some other common causes of accidents.