Future Truck Committee Information Report: Electromechanical Braking Systems Review

TMC has partnered with FPInnovations PIT Group to evaluate the state of the art of electromechanical brakes (EMBs) for tractor trailers. In addition to understanding the EMB landscape, TMC wanted to identify prototypes for a potential second project phase to test and compare EMBs to pneumatic braking systems. TMC asked PIT Group to contact major brake original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to better understand the challenges, limitations and obstacles regarding implementation of EMBs on Class 8 trucks. The scope was limited to friction brakes that apply force through electromechanical actuation, rather than pneumatic. Although the intent was to drive advanced safety technologies into the tractor trailer industry, an analysis of EMBs in other applications as well will enable a better understanding of if and when such technologies will be available for trucks.

Issued: February 2020