What to know about car electric brakes

Cars are getting smarter, and with all the new tech, there can be a lot to keep up with. These days, it seems like they can think for themselves—detecting obstacles, adjusting speed with adaptive cruise control and parking—all with the simple press of a button. And as technology evolves, so do braking systems.

Enter electric car brakes. They’re popping up in more and more new vehicles, offering smoother, smarter stopping power. But what exactly are they, how do they work, and are they worth having in your car? Let’s break it down.

What are electric brakes?

Electric brakes use electronic controls alongside traditional hydraulic systems to slow your car down. Mostly used in electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids, there are a few different types including electrohydraulic brakes, regenerative brakes, as well as electronic parking brakes, which are found in many modern cars. The big appeal? They can make braking feel refined, responsive, and in some cases, more efficient.

How do electric brakes work?

Wondering how electric brakes work? Electric brakes rely on electronic signals working with hydraulic pressure to slow your car down. There are a few different types in today’s modern cars. Here’s what they are and how the different types work:

The beauty of electric brakes is that they respond quickly and seamlessly, providing a more efficient way to control your car’s speed and a smoother driving experience.

Why have electric brakes for a car?

So what makes electric brakes better than traditional drum and rotor brakes and other systems? There are a few good reasons why car manufacturers are moving toward electric brake systems, such as:

Do any cars have electric brakes?

Many electric and hybrid cars come packed with clever tech like regenerative braking and electrohydraulic brakes, especially in higher-end models with all the latest safety features. Traditional petrol and diesel cars generally aren’t quite built for this just yet, but you’ll still find electronic parking brakes popping up more and more in modern models.

How do you turn on electric brakes?

In most cars, electric brakes are always on and working as soon as you start the engine—no extra switch required. However, in some EVs, you can adjust the regenerative braking strength to control how much energy is recaptured when slowing down. How to adjust your regenerative braking depends on the EV you’re driving, and can be accessible via the settings in your head unit, a paddle on the steering wheel, or other methods. It’s best to check your manufacturer’s manual to be sure.

Are electric brakes easy to maintain?

One big perk of electric brakes? Less maintenance. Because they have fewer mechanical parts than traditional braking systems, they experience less wear and tear over time. But just like your electric car needs regular servicing, your brakes need some TLC too. If your car has regenerative braking, you may notice your brake pads last longer than usual—but they’ll still need replacing eventually.

What is the difference between an electric brake and a handbrake?

The difference between a manual and electric parking brake is how they activate. An electric parking brake replaces the traditional handbrake lever with a simple button, using an electric motor to keep a car in place. A handbrake, on the other hand, is manually operated—usually by pulling a lever which uses a cable to activate the brake shoes in the rear wheels. While handbrakes are still common in older cars, electric parking brakes are now the go-to in many modern models.

Have questions? Chat to the experts at mycar

your car has electric brakes or more traditional brakes, our technicians at mycar know how to keep them in good shape. With locations all over Australia, expert service and a workmanship guarantee, you can count on us to handle all your brake servicing needs.