Brembo Projects More Manufacturers to Shift to Brake-by-wire Technology

Leading brake systems manufacturer, Brembo is preparing for the new age of mobility and is predicting that more vehicle manufacturers are likely to switch to brake-by-wire technology. According to the company, such “mechatronic” systems can make vehicle architecture significantly simpler. Many automakers are currently exploring the viability of electronic by-wire systems and regenerative braking for EVs and hybrids.

Such a shift has not been seen when it comes to standard conventional production cars. With more and more consumers now turning to pure electric and electrified vehicles like the new Alfa Romeo Giulia, this is soon set to change. Brembo’s North America chief, Daniel Sandberg, feels that ‘mecatronic’ systems are set to become more common within the next ten years as automakers transition to making more electrified cars. Sandberg said in an interview to Car and Driver that this would be conversion similar to the one from drum brakes to disc brakes.

Brembo feels that this change is a welcome one as brakes are a safety product, and brake-by-wire technology gives manufacturers the ability to custom tune the brake pedal feel and travel based on the driver’s preference or different drive modes. There are a few issues however that need to be resolved. Sandberg said that Brembo will need to work further on refining the feel and on the algorithms, as electric systems tend to display an on/off characteristic. Brembo believes EVs and autonomous vehicles will still maintain demand for high-performance brakes, though the service intervals will be longer.