It gave us pause, but Brembo’s electronic braking just might work

Brembo Sensify.

We saw a item from InsideEVs on electronic braking that initially had us on our heels. It seems that the Italian manufacturer of high performance braking systems Brembo N.V is now in full production mode with in its Sensify system.

No brake fluid, no mechanical emergency brake and no indication of any power loss back-up at all. Not in the press release, not on its website, and certainly not in the articles in the trades.

We had to do a web search, and did find some answers.

First, a primer on Sensify (sense and simplify mashed together). It is a braking system that integrates software and mechatronics, and is specifically designed for electric vehicles (EVs).

According to the company “Sensify continuously controls and supervises the braking action on each wheel independently, quickly, and more precisely. This allows maximum driving pleasure for the driver, comfort for the passengers, and safety.”

It is completely fluid-free, meaning that it does not use hydraulic fluid to transmit the braking force from the pedal to the calipers. Instead, it uses electric signals and actuators to control the braking action.

What’s the back-up plan?

It is frankly easy to believe that an electronic system can respond more quickly and precisely as it does not transmit braking force through a mechanical and hydraulic system.

But, after years of chasing electronic lock and latch mechanical back-up systems and, frankly, failures, we were damned skeptical.

What of electronic failures? As noted, what we didn’t find on the Brembo site, we found in a web search.

Sensify uses dual-intelligence control units. If the primary control unit fails, a secondary unit immediately takes over.

Get that first one fixed quick!

And, the system includes a dedicated back-up power supply to ensure functionality in case of primary power loss.

Ok, this makes sense. We’re sold.

And a back-up power supply would be a great solution for electronic locks and latches, assuming they are not kicked to the curb.

If you’re sold on Sensify too, you can have the brake system in a Mercedes-Benz GLC EV.

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