Steer-by-wire and shift-by-wire methods, which management steering and transmission by means of electronics as an alternative of utilizing mechanical and hydraulic means, have develop into more and more fashionable lately, particularly with the arrival of software-defined autos (SDVs) and electrical autos.
We may additionally quickly add brake-by-wire know-how to the listing of electronics-driven car capabilities if auto components and tech provider ZF convinces OEMs to undertake it. The corporate has unveiled a brand new purely electro-mechanical brake system that eliminates the necessity for brake fluid.
As a substitute of utilizing the strain of fluids in a hydraulic system, ZF’s brake-by-wire system makes use of an electrical motor to generate braking power at every wheel. Brake alerts from the pedal to the electrical motor are transmitted purely electrically, which is why it is known as a ‘dry brake-by-wire system.’
Developed for the worldwide market at ZF’s labs in China, the U.S., and Germany, the brand new brake system unveiled on the firm’s Subsequent Technology Mobility Day in Shanghai targets software-defined autos (SDV) and electrically pushed autos firstly.
ZF says this kind of braking system has much more benefits on SDVs and EVs, opening up new freedom in design and growth.
“Our purely electrically managed braking system is a big addition to our portfolio of networked chassis methods,” mentioned Dr. Holger Klein, CEO of ZF Group. “With such by-wire methods, we’re opening the door to a brand new period of car management.”
So what are some great benefits of utilizing this technique as an alternative of a standard one?
ZF claims the brand new brake-by-wire system permits shorter braking distances, higher restoration of braking vitality, and decrease upkeep prices.
For instance, throughout computerized emergency braking, the braking distance from 62 mph could be as much as 29.5 ft shorter than with a standard braking system. One other large benefit is that electrical automobiles can recuperate braking vitality extra effectively utilizing a dry brake-by-wire system, and might due to this fact obtain 17 % extra vary throughout regenerative braking.
“In contrast with a standard brake system (with out recuperation), our system can prolong the vary as much as 17% in line with WLTP normal,” a ZF spokeperson informed InsideEVs.
Utilizing such a braking system additionally leads to virtually zero residual drag torques that happen with standard braking methods, on which there’s minimal contact between the brake pads and the brake discs. The decrease resistance throughout driving additionally results in vitality financial savings, growing vary.
There’s additionally a decreased environmental affect of this know-how because it produces fewer particulate emissions because of brake abrasion.
From a producing standpoint, some great benefits of utilizing brake-by-wire and not using a hydraulic system embrace decrease meeting and logistics prices, as there are fewer components to place collectively. As for upkeep, the shopper clearly not wants to vary brake fluids, decreasing the quantity of servicing required.
For these of you who’re apprehensive that meting out with the hydraulic system impacts braking really feel, ZF claims the driving force feels no change with the dry brake-by-wire system in comparison with the hydraulic brake.
Apparently, one of many photographs accompanying the press launch showcases a BYD Han electrical sedan seemingly outfitted with ZF’s dry brake-by-wire system. ZF is one in all BYD’s predominant components suppliers, however that does not essentially imply {that a} manufacturing BYD automotive that includes the dry brake-by-wire system will enter manufacturing sooner or later.
“The BYD Han is one in all our autos (of various OEMs) that we outfitted with ZF dry brake-by-wire know-how to display the talents of our brake system – i.e. it isn’t an announcement that BYD will equip its future sequence autos with our know-how,” ZF’s spokesperson informed us.
What do you suppose, will this know-how make it to manufacturing and does it have the potential to render hydraulic braking methods out of date?
Replace Tuesday, November 14, 11:10 a.m.: This put up has been up to date with statements from a ZF spokesperson relating to the EV vary improve provided by the dry brake-by-wire system and the BYD Han featured within the opening photograph.