General Motors’s Cadillac brand said the paddle shifters on the upcoming 2014 Cadillac ELR extended-range electric vehicle give the driver more control over vehicle’s regenerative braking functionality.

The driver can use the ELR’s Regen on Demand feature by taking his or her foot off the accelerator and then pulling back on either the left or right steering-wheel paddle to begin generating electricity. According to Cadillac, although this feature will slow the vehicle down (similar to what happens when a driver downshifts a vehicle with a manual transmission), the feature won’t bring the vehicle to a full stop. When the driver releases the paddle, the vehicle will coast at a normal speed. This allows the driver to change the driving experience based on traffic conditions, Cadillac stated.

Cadillac's Chris Thomason, ELR chief engineer, said this feature allows drivers to take a more active role in the electric vehicle driving experience and provides a more engaged, satisfying driving experience.

For braking, vehicle has a standard four-channel anti-lock braking system and features electronic Brake Force Distribution, which uses independent rear control for improved stability and braking during cornering and provides more effective use of the rear brakes as vehicle loading occurs.

For charging, owners can charge the ELR’s battery with a 120V electrical outlet or a dedicated 240V charging station. Using the 240V outlet, charging will be complete in 4.5 hours, depending on the outside temperature, Cadillac stated.