Braking News: Mercedes Reinvents the Wheel (Well, the Brakes Actually!)
Image Credit: Mercedes-Benz.
Oh boy, Mercedes-Benz is tinkering away in their fancy German labs, dreaming up new ways to make us scratch our heads and empty our wallets. This time, they've decided to reinvent the brake – you know, that thing we use to avoid rear-ending the guy who slammed on his brakes because he saw a squirrel? Yep, that brake.
I wish Mercedes came up with some futuristic, laser-powered braking system straight out of Star Trek. But no, it's not quite that dramatic. But it's still pretty cool. They're calling it the "in-drive brake", and basically the entire braking assembly is neatly tucked inside the car's drivetrain.
So, how does this whole thing work? Well, instead of those clunky calipers and rotors we're all used to, they've got this circular brake pad that's like a little hugger attached directly to the electric motor's output shaft. And it snuggles up against a stationary, water-cooled ring, all cozy and contained within an enclosed system. No more messy brake dust flying all over the place!
Image Credit: Mercedes-Benz.
But what about brake fade? Won't this thing overheat like my laptop when I'm trying to watch Netflix and online shop at the same time? Don't you worry, because Mercedes has thought of that too. They've cleverly incorporated water-cooling into the system, so it's like giving your brakes a refreshing dip in the pool on a hot summer day. No more brake fade, no more worries.
This in-drive brake system is not just about keeping your brakes cool and dust-free. Oh no, it's also about shedding those pesky pounds. You see, by moving all the braking components away from the wheels, they've managed to reduce the "unsprung weight" – that's the weight that's not supported by the car's chassis, the weight that likes to dance around and make your car feel like it's doing the jitterbug. Less unsprung weight means better handling and a smoother ride.
And the best part? Mercedes says this in-drive brake system is so low-maintenance, it could potentially last the entire life of the vehicle! No more trips to the mechanic for brake pad replacements or new rotors. I can just think of all the money I would save! I could finally buy that designer handbag I've been eyeing, or maybe even a whole new wardrobe.
Image Credit: Mercedes-Benz.
Of course, this wouldn't be a Mercedes innovation without a touch of luxury. One of the biggest perks of this new brake system, according to Mercedes, is that you'll no longer have to suffer the indignity of looking at rusty rotors on your otherwise pristine, $180,000 Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680 SUV. Because, let's be honest, who wants to see those unsightly rust spots on their prized possession?
But in all seriousness, a brake system that doesn't require repairs is a big deal. It saves owners time, money, and hassle. And as good as it is for our wallets, the more important bit is that it's good for the planet too. Consolidating components means less material waste and a smaller environmental footprint. So, you can feel good about driving your fancy electric car, knowing that it's as stylish and luxurious as it is eco-friendly.
Image Credit: Mercedes-Benz.
Now, while Mercedes is busy reimagining the traditional brake system, other companies are taking an even more radical approach. REE, for example, has decided to throw the entire rulebook out the window and relocate everything – the motor, drivetrain, steering, suspension, and brakes – into the wheel wells. This creates a modular platform that looks like a skateboard, and you can build anything on top of it, from a delivery truck to a sports car to a camper van.
So, will Mercedes' in-drive brakes become the new industry standard, or will they remain a premium upgrade for those who can afford to shell out the big bucks? It's hard to tell which way this story goes but I can't believe what I'm about to say: the future of braking is looking pretty exciting.
