ZF revolutionizes vehicle technology: New major order for braking systems!

ZF revolutionizes vehicle technology: New major order for braking systems!

ZF Friedrichshafen AG announced a significant major order for innovative brake-by-wire braking systems at CES 2025. This order comes from a global vehicle manufacturer and was placed by the ZF Chassis Solutions division, which is recognized as an industry leader in chassis technology.

The customer order includes an electro-mechanical brake and by-wire technology on the rear wheels, supplemented by an integrated brake control, also known as “Integrated Brake Control” (IBC). Traditional brake calipers are used on the front axle, creating a hybrid braking system that combines by-wire and hydraulic systems. In addition, the agreement also includes ZF's electro-mechanical recirculating ball steering system.

Technological highlights and advantages

The combination of state-of-the-art braking technologies, traditional braking systems and innovative steering demonstrates ZF's expertise in development. Last year, all technologies for steering, braking and damping systems were bundled in the Chassis Solutions division in order to offer holistic solutions and state-of-the-art technologies. ZF emphasizes its technology leadership in the chassis segment, with the electro-mechanical brake (EMB) being central to the software-defined vehicle.

By-Wire technology potentially enables autonomous braking and steering in crash situations. A particularly noteworthy feature of the EMB is the development of a “dry” brake system that does not require brake fluid. The brake pressure is generated by electric motors, with the brake signals being transmitted electrically. The integrated IBC brake control ensures first-class braking performance and supports the recovery of energy.

The hybrid system combines an electric braking system on the rear axle with a hydraulic system on the front axle. Colette type ZF brake caliper is widely used and features cost optimization. The RCB EPS electro-mechanical recirculating ball steering is a 48V solution that replaces hydraulic applications and supports ADAS functions up to Level 2/2+.

With over 50 years of experience in the development of brake systems and the production volume of over three billion brake components manufactured, ZF is well positioned. The merger of the “Active Safety Technology” and “Car Chassis Technology” divisions in January 2024 underlines the commitment to innovation and technological advances. ZF offers the most comprehensive portfolio of electronically controlled steering, braking and damping systems for software-defined vehicles.

Dr. Holger Klein, CEO of the ZF Group, also announced a purely electrically controlled braking system, which represents an expansion of the portfolio of networked chassis systems. By-wire systems open up new possibilities in the design and development of vehicles.

With a “dry” brake system, no brake fluid is necessary because the brake pressure is generated by electric motors. The braking signals are transmitted exclusively electrically from the pedal to the electric motor, which brings numerous advantages: These include shorter braking distances, improved recovery of braking energy and lower maintenance costs. Particularly with automatic emergency braking, the braking distance at 100 km/h can be shortened by up to nine meters.

These innovations lead to fewer fine dust emissions from brake wear and energy savings, which can increase the range of electric cars. ZF offers various braking systems: purely hydraulic, purely electric or hybrid, ensuring the security of data transmission and energy supply through the redundancy of all connections.

With an extensive portfolio of electronically controlled steering, brakes and dampers, ZF is unique in the market for the combination of longitudinal, lateral and vertical dynamics, as reported by Weekly Newspaper and ZF Press shows.

– Submitted by West-East media