ZF: More than 250 million electronic parking brakes produced!

In 2001, ZF introduced the first electronic parking brake—and over the years, it has become a "standard" in almost every car. ZF combines hardware and software solutions with mechanical, hybrid, and purely electric brake-by-wire systems to make road traffic safer and more comfortable.

The history of the "EPB" began, as mentioned, in 2001 when ZF launched the first generation of this technology on the rear axle. Today, over 125 million vehicles worldwide are equipped with this pioneering technology. The electronic parking brake symbolizes the transition from purely mechanical to electrified systems and is a prime example of the continuous advancement of automotive technology. Danny Milot, Head of Braking Engineering at ZF, is pleased:

"Already at the turn of the millennium, ZF set benchmarks with the introduction of the electronic parking brake and has since been the undisputed world market leader. 250 million units later, we are still at the forefront. That is a remarkable success story."

Especially starting on a hill lost its terror

The EPB was primarily developed for the rear axle to securely prevent vehicles from rolling away. It particularly excels on hilly terrain with its "hill-hold function," which prevents rollback during starts. Additionally, its compact design contributes to better fuel efficiency by reducing the weight of the braking system. ZF's EPB integrates seamlessly with other vehicle systems, such as steering and sensors, enabling new functions like automated parking.

The current generation can now do more: It monitors brake pad wear and eliminates classical problems of mechanical systems, such as the space requirement for the handbrake lever or the risk of accidentally driving with the handbrake engaged—which can lead to dangerous brake wear and overheating.