Drivers are already familiar with the steering wheel in modern cars. But now it's not just the steering wheel that needs to be controlled electronically. Bosch believes the brakes should be the same.
German automotive supplier Bosch has developed a new "brake by wire" system for electric cars. The system, currently being tested on Swedish roads, is expected to be installed in 5.5 million electric cars by 2030.
"Brake by wire" is a technology that replaces the traditional mechanical connection between the brake pedal and the brakes with an electronic system.
According to the Germans, the advantage is a more precise and effective brake pedal. Designers also have greater freedom when there are fewer mechanical parts to take into account.
Bosch is not the first company to develop "steer by wire" technology for cars. Tesla and Toyota/Lexus have put "steer by wire" systems in their cars.
Bosch's new system distinguishes itself by being the first "brake by wire" system designed specifically for electric vehicles.
Electric vehicles have a regenerative braking system that reuses energy from braking to charge the battery. Bosch's "brake by wire" system is designed to work in conjunction with the regenerative braking system and optimize overall braking efficiency.
The new "brake by wire" system from Bosch completely eliminates the mechanical connection between the brake pedal and the brake system itself.
Instead, the driver's pressure on the pedal is converted into an electrical signal that is sent to the system. Although the system is electronic, it still uses brake fluid and operates hydraulically.
To increase safety, the system is equipped with two separate pumps. If one pump fails, the other pump will automatically take over and ensure that all four wheels can still be 'grabbed' by the brake discs and calipers.
According to Bosch, the new technology gives car manufacturers greater freedom in terms of the placement of the various components in the braking system, as a mechanical connection is no longer needed.
This could potentially improve safety in many cars. The system is also lighter than traditional braking systems. This means that cars can travel further on the same amount of power. At least in the Teiro.
Bosch has conducted extensive tests of the company's new braking system. Among other things, they equipped a Nissan Ariya with the system and covered 3,290 kilometers over six days.
The trip, which took place from Berlin to northern Sweden and passed through cities such as Copenhagen and Stockholm, provided Bosch with valuable data and insights into the system's performance under different conditions.
– We performed thousands of braking operations during the trip and were therefore able to gain important insights and data about the behavior of the braking system, Bosch said in a press release .
Bosch has already received several orders for the system from various car manufacturers. The company expects to launch the new "brake by wire" system in the fall of 2025.
And that is what is needed. The Germans are facing an acute economic crisis.
Management announced in early February that more than the 12,000 layoffs already underway could be in the works. Read more about it here .
