Nearly every modern car on the planet uses disk brakes. Essentially, they use friction to slow the vehicle down. Mercedes has a new idea.
Mercedes-Benz has come up with an innovative new way of executing an age-old concept with what it calls 'in-drive brakes' for electric vehicles. The system being developed at the company's R & D facility in Germany, integrates the brakes right into the drivetrain, in an arrangement that works very much like a transmission brake. It resembles clutch plates – but with a unique twist.
There are no calipers, instead a circular brake pad connected directly to the output shaft of the electric motor is pressed against a stationary water-cooled ring, all of which is in an enclosed system.
According to Mercedes, the in-drive brake system shouldn't require servicing for the life of the vehicle, potentially saving the owner thousands of dollars in brake repairs and replacements - particularly as EVs are notoriously heavy, thanks to the weight of batteries.
Mercedes' new system even collects the brake dust in a small inner compartment that won't require emptying. That is further good news because brake dust is a major contributor to pollution, particularly in urban areas with lots of stop-and-go traffic. And with Euro 7 emissions standards starting in 2026, the dust-sealing design will be ahead of the game.
Whether Mercedes' in-drive brakes become a new standard or ends up as a premium upgrade for affluent EV buyers, only time will tell.