Mercedes-Benz is innovating the placement and function of braking systems in its future electric vehicles by integrating them within the electric motor.
Last week in Germany, engineers from Mercedes-Benz showcased to Green Car Reports a new innovation they call In-Drive. This technology moves the entire braking system from within the wheels to the housing of an electric vehicle’s electric motor.
The car manufacturer has not specified the exact timing or the specific model for the launch and production of the system, but it has confirmed that the feature is currently undergoing testing.
Mercedes-Benz Onboard Braking System
Dubbed internally as “the brake of the future,” the In-Drive system retains a friction-based mechanism but introduces a water-cooled brake disk that is sealed off from air exposure. Mercedes engineers are currently testing various fluids for optimal performance. Their goal is to incorporate a significant amount of water within the system to manage heat effectively, without the need for a large radiator. The brake discs are completely enclosed and positioned on either side of the electric motor.
According to engineers at Mercedes, regenerative braking is sufficient for 98% of braking scenarios in electric vehicles, with mechanical brakes being necessary only about 2% of the time.
Mercedes has announced that its upcoming 2026 CLA-Class will be the premier electric vehicle on its new MMA platform, featuring a regenerative braking system capable of recovering up to 200 kW. This is in comparison to the existing EQS model, which is a larger vehicle and can recuperate up to 290 kW, as noted by a Mercedes engineer.
Mercedes-Benz Onboard Braking Mechanism
The Mercedes team has stated that their In-Drive system is engineered to last for approximately 15 years or 186,400 miles (300,000 kilometers), with the assumption that it will be activated just 2% of the time. Unlike contemporary brake pads that only contact a fraction of the brake disc, the In-Drive system’s pads encompass the entire disc area, thereby reducing the amount of force required.
The In-Drive braking system can be installed on a front axle without an electric motor. However, it would be positioned at the midpoint of both the car and the axle, instead of near the wheels, which is the common placement for current brakes.
Positioning the brakes closer to the center of the vehicle redistributes weight towards the middle and reduces the unsprung mass, enhancing the car’s handling.
Fully enclosing the brakes eliminates the release of brake dust particles, allowing for the wheels to be sealed and thus more aerodynamic.
Mercedes-Benz covered the costs of travel and accommodation, as well as providing some German pretzels, to enable Green Car Reports to deliver this direct account.
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