ZF Unveils Full-Spectrum Brake-by-Wire Portfolio for Electrified and Autonomous Vehicles

ZF Unveils Full-Spectrum Brake-by-Wire Portfolio for Electrified and Autonomous Vehicles

(IN BRIEF) ZF introduces a flexible Brake-by-Wire suite—purely electric (“dry”), purely hydraulic, or hybrid—that transforms braking with electronic actuation and software-defined control. Electric dry systems eliminate fluid drag and boost energy recovery; hybrid setups pair electromechanical rear axles with hydraulic fronts for heavy-duty vehicles. Central to the offering is ZF’s Integrated Brake Control (IBC), which consolidates brake booster, ESC, and ECU functions into one module. Fully redundant and ASIL-D compliant, the BbW portfolio supports Level 4 automation, streamlines assembly, and allows OEMs to customize braking behavior through software alone, enhancing safety, efficiency, and design freedom.

(PRESS RELEASE) FRIEDRICHSHAFEN, 11-Jul-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — ZF is marking over five decades of braking innovation with the launch of its comprehensive Brake-by-Wire (BbW) portfolio—offering purely electric, purely hydraulic, or hybrid configurations to meet diverse customer needs. By replacing traditional mechanical linkages with electronic actuation, ZF’s BbW systems deliver faster response times, reduced emissions, and exceptional flexibility in vehicle and cockpit design. Fully compatible with advanced driver assistance and up to Level 4 autonomous driving, these solutions leverage the chassis’ connectivity to optimize braking performance and safety.

Electric “dry” BbW uses wheel-mounted motors instead of hydraulic fluid to apply brake pressure, eliminating drag torque, cutting maintenance costs, and maximizing energy recuperation in electrified vehicles. Hybrid BbW combines an electromechanical rear axle with a conventional front-axle hydraulic system—ideal for heavy light trucks and pickups—streamlining assembly by removing the vacuum booster and integrating service and park brakes into one unit.

At the core of ZF’s portfolio is the Integrated Brake Control (IBC) unit, a compact electro-hydraulic actuator that manages braking, stability control (ESC), and driving-dynamics programs for any vehicle type, serving as a universal ECU. “Our BbW technology not only supports new vehicle architectures but also enables OEMs to differentiate braking feel via software,” explains Philippe Gasnier, Head of R&D at ZF Chassis Solutions.

About ZF
ZF is a global technology company supplying advanced mobility products and systems for passenger cars, commercial vehicles and industrial technology. Its comprehensive product range is primarily aimed at vehicle manufacturers, mobility providers and startup companies in the fields of transportation and mobility. ZF electrifies a wide range of vehicle types. With its products, the company contributes to reducing emissions, protecting the climate as well as enhancing safe mobility. Alongside the automotive sector – passenger cars and commercial vehicles – ZF also serves market segments
such as construction and agricultural machinery, wind power, marine propulsion, rail drives and test systems.

In 2024, ZF generated sales of €41.4 billion with around 161,600 employees worldwide. The company is represented at 161 production locations in 30 countries

For further press information and photos, please visit: www.zf.com

Media Contacts:

Martin Ehrenfeuchter, Press Spokesman Chassis Technology,
Phone: +49 7541 77 963 248; e-mail: martin.ehrenfeuchter@zf.com

Florian Tausch, Head of Communication Division Chassis Solutions,
Phone: + +49 5474 60 2190; e-mail: florian.tausch@zf.com

SOURCE: ZF