CES 2025: ZF presents hybrid braking system

Brake-by-wire means that there is no longer a mechanical connection between the brake pedal and the brake. The signal for braking is transmitted by wire to an electric motor, which then actuates the brake. ZF's US customer initially uses this brake on the rear axle. The front wheels continue to be braked hydraulically. "This creates a hybrid braking system that offers the manufacturer more flexibility," says Peter Holdmann, ZF Board of Management member and Head of the Chassis Solutions Division, at the CES electronics trade fair, which is taking place this week in Las Vegas. "The system is more expensive to purchase, but cheaper overall because no brake power has to be fitted to the rear axle. This saves assembly costs."

The US customer will also purchase the electro-mechanical steering system from ZF. Here, an electric motor replaces the hydraulics that were previously used. The components will be installed in a heavy-duty pick-up. Such platform trucks are very popular in the USA. Both orders are the biggest success to date for the ZF Chassis Division, which was founded a year ago.

An electric brake has many advantages: it enables automated driving, in which the electronics steer and brake the vehicle, and facilitates the software-defined vehicle, in which important functions can be controlled electrically and improved via updates.

Peter Holdmann and his team are in talks with US manufacturers about further orders, for example in the area of hybrid drives. The combination of electric and combustion engines is becoming increasingly popular in all markets. "With an electric range of 100 to 150 kilometers, such vehicles are no longer a transitional technology," says the ZF Board of Management member. Many manufacturers are planning new models with range extenders. This means that the wheels are driven electrically. When the battery is empty, a combustion engine kicks in and provides the necessary power via a dynamo. But classic hybrids are also in greater demand. Here, the electric motor is usually located in the gearbox. While demand for battery-electric cars in Germany fell by 27 percent last year, nine percent more plug-in hybrids were sold. ZF could therefore also report success in this area in the near future. (aum)