The 2014 Cadillac ELR touring coupe with a luxury 2+2 passenger layout has a lithium-ion battery system and an electric drive unit packaging a pair of electric motors and a multi-mode transaxle with continuously variable capability. The front-wheel-drive, two-door coupe extended-range electric vehicle has a large electric drive motor that propels the vehicle while a smaller, second electric motor serves as a generator to keep the battery pack at its minimum charge level and assists the drive motor with propulsion, based on performance, speed and efficiency requirements.
When power from the advanced lithium-ion storage battery pack is depleted, the range-extending gas-powered electric generator kicks in to deliver continued power for the electric drive system, extending the ELR’s range, while also ensuring the vehicle’s dynamic performance. The vehicle can be completely recharged in about 4.5 hours using a 240V outlet and 12 hours with 120V, depending on the outside temperature. There are four driver-selectable modes: Sport, Tour, Mountain, and Hold which allows owners to use its gas-powered electric generator, reserving the remaining battery charge for later use for more efficient city travel. Combined electric/extended driving range is more than 300 miles, according to Cadillac. The ELR has an 8 year / 100,000 mile warranty.
