Is brake-by-wire technology the future of the automotive industry?

In early January 2025, a significant surge in the adoption of electro-hydraulic brake (EHB) technology within the automotive industry was reported. By the first half of 2024, installations of this advanced braking system reached nearly 4 million units, indicating an impressive year-on-year growth of 101%. This rise propelled the installation rate of EHB technology to exceed 40%, reflecting a 19.9 percentage point increase in comparison to the previous year. The momentum behind this trend is largely attributed to the growing demand from the new energy vehicle sector, where brake-by-wire technology aligns with critical performance requirements. A substantial portion of the increase in EHB system installations is linked to the expanded share of One-Box systems, which rose to 75.9% during the same period, representing a significant advancement in vehicle braking efficiency. This transformation in the braking landscape demonstrates how automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are proactively entering the brake-by-wire market. Many, particularly independent Chinese brands, have established subsidiaries or joint ventures to expedite their development efforts and capitalize on this innovative technology. Noteworthy examples include Geely's VCS Technology, which commenced mass production of their One-Box product, HDBS, in late 2023. Despite the optimistic advancements in electro-hydraulic systems, the electro-mechanical braking system (EMB) has been sluggish in making its mark within the industry. Although the EMB system has been studied for over two decades, it is hindered by various technical challenges, including high motor performance requirements and the lack of fail-safe backup braking functionality. Nevertheless, forecasts suggest that small-scale production will become achievable by 2026, with Beijing West Industries (BWI) leading the charge. Their EMB is scheduled for mass production, aiming to supply automakers like Kaiyi Auto and U POWER. Overarching regulations continue to shape the development of brake technology in both China and Europe, driving OEMs to pursue intelligent chassis solutions. The industry consensus confirms the evolution towards brake-by-wire systems as manufacturers hone in on safety and reliability features. The focus on effective regulatory compliance and technological innovation paints a promising future for the automotive brake system landscape, rooted in efficiency, performance, and sustainability.