Fluid-Free Electric Brake Calipers to Soon Debut

Brake calipers on your future car could be powered by electricity.

European brake giants ZF Friedrichshafen and Brembo have each announced the development of ‘brake-by-wire’ calipers, which do away with traditional hydraulics powered by brake fluid in favour of an electro-mechanical system.

While Brembo plans to introduce the new technology in 2026, ZF has already announced a new contract for the ‘dry’ brake calipers, according to Hagerty.

Details have yet to be revealed, but it appears as if the brakes will be fitted to the rear hubs of light commercial trucks initially – with traditional hydraulic brakes still doing the lion’s share of stopping on the front axle.

Braking duties are typically split 70:30 front-to-rear.

However, Brembo’s brake-by-wire system – called Sensify – offers an entirely electric braking system for both axles.

Similar to a two-piston caliper, Brembo’s unit relies on two small electric motors to apply pressure to the brake disc on each wheel.

Brembo’s Sensify technology can also be used in a hybrid system with hydraulic front brakes, just like ZF’s version.

Brembo has partnered with Michelin to develop the braking system, with the French tyre giant claiming Sensify brakes can stop a car approximately four metres shorter than a vehicle with traditional fluid-actuated brakes.

Michelin also says the system responds quicker, improves stability, and prevents the locking-up of wheels.

Would you be happy with electro-mechanical brakes on your car? Let us know in the comments below.