Drive-by-wire

Drive-by-wire is an innovative technology that replaces traditional mechanical connections between a vehicle’s control elements and its propulsion or steering systems with electronic systems. This method enables a faster, more precise, and more flexible response, which is crucial for integrating autonomous and assistance systems. Key advantages include reduced wear of mechanical components, increased safety, and optimized energy efficiency, representing a significant step toward the digitalization of modern transportation.

In recent years, significant advancements have been made in drive-by-wire technologies, which replace traditional mechanical systems with electronic solutions. For example, Bosch has successfully tested a brake-by-wire system that eliminates the mechanical connection between the brake pedal and the braking system. This technology uses electrical signals to activate the brake pads via actuators, resulting in a lighter, more compact, and more reliable braking system. Testing took place on a route from Germany to beyond the Arctic Circle, where Bosch engineers drove over 3,300 kilometers in various climatic conditions to verify the system’s reliability.

Another example is the company ZF, which has introduced a fully electric brake-by-wire system designed for software-defined vehicles. This system generates braking force on each wheel using an electric motor, eliminating the need for a hydraulic system and brake fluid. The advantages include a shorter braking distance, better energy recuperation, and lower maintenance costs. During automatic emergency braking, the braking distance at a speed of 100 km/h can be up to nine meters shorter than with conventional systems, and electric vehicles can achieve up to 17% longer range thanks to improved energy recuperation.