HELLA produces electric brake-by-wire pedals on a large scale for the first time in the world

On July 11, HELLA, a subsidiary of automotive parts supplier FORVIA, announced today that it has been commissioned to carry out large-scale development and production of pure electric brake pedal sensors. Unlike traditional brake systems, wire control brake technology only transmits brake commands electrically. HELLA will develop the electric brake pedal sensor at its headquarters in Lippstadt, Germany, and is expected to start mass production in Europe in 2025 and first provide the product to a German automaker.

Image source: Hella

Björn Twiehaus, member of the HELLA Management Board and responsible for the global electronics business, said: "HELLA has been one of the world's leading suppliers of pedal sensors for more than two decades. With this brake-by-wire solution, we are setting another technological milestone and establishing it as a standard for all vehicles."

The brake-by-wire pedal simulates the feel and behavior of a conventional brake system, where the pedal is mechanically connected to the brake system via a rod. Since the brake command control in the Hella wire-control solution is fully performed electrically, it also supports automated driving functions. In addition, the braking function can be customized, which means that the braking force can be specifically adjusted to suit various driving situations.

In addition, since the pure electric brake-by-wire pedal uses only lightweight plastics, the weight of the component can be reduced by up to 20%, which helps to increase the range of electric vehicles and reduce CO2 emissions of internal combustion engine or hybrid vehicles while maintaining high performance and functional safety. Not only that, but also installation costs and related variables can be reduced.

With this new brake-by-wire technology, Hella will promote the development of the "cockpit of the future". Björn Twiehaus, General Manager of the Electronics Division, said: "With our wire-control technology, many bulky hardware components can be eliminated. For example, the brake lever has always been a difficult point in vehicle design, but our wire-control brake pedal can solve this problem and design the cabin in a highly flexible way. By combining Faurecia's display and interior solutions with our lighting and electronics expertise, we will strengthen our position as a supplier of systems in the cockpit field."