this post was submitted on 06 May 2026
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I can see it catch on for EV, pretty sure it won't be used on ICEV considering brake is the only thing that can stop the car
Downshifting used to be a thing people would do to slow down a car significantly.
Takes quite a bit of practice to use it in emergency though, but for normal slowing down it's pretty handy, and manual transmission tend to slow down car a lot when releasing the gas pedal.
Not in a panic stop.
I engine break fairly often as my car has paddle shifters. Reduces the time between break jobs
Aren’t you trading brake wear for transmission/engine wear?
I'm torn cause i drive a stick and its much more difficult for me to swap out a worn out clutch than doing a brake job. I usually leave a lot of distance and just coast in neutral when approaching stops.
Most of your gain is at higher speeds, to just leave it in gear with foot off the pedal until the engine is at idle speeds makes a big difference and doesn't wear the clutch.
Brake by wire means standard brakes, but the control mechanism is electronic, not hydraulic.
Still is a mechanical brake, just controlled with wires.
Overall, it should be less complex/more modular than hydraulic systems that have to be integrated with the drive train. (But it also means more ‘opportunity’ for embedded sensors and non-user serviceable parts signed by code, so who knows how they’re going to mess it up.)
brake presses on a load cell, that sends a calibrate signal to calipers.
BBW significantly improved safety through independent wheel control ABS, reduced weight (~25% lighter).
Hybrids use motors regenerate energy and slow the car.