Brake-by-Wire and Regenerative Braking

Electric vehicles are changing the way people experience driving. A modern premium electric vehicle is designed to deliver responsive power and a quiet driving experience. Much of the engineering behind a refined EV driving experience is also found in its braking and energy-recovery systems.

In a conventional hydraulic braking system, pressing the brake pedal creates hydraulic pressure that applies the brake pads against the brake discs. In modern electric vehicles, electronically controlled braking and energy recovery can add another level of coordination.  Two technologies, brake-by-wire and regenerative braking, can work together to slow the vehicle while recovering part of its kinetic energy and returning it to the battery when conditions allow.

Selected IM Motors vehicles combine regenerative braking with coordinated chassis and braking technologies to support a smooth and controlled driving experience. These advanced braking systems support an exceptional, smooth, and improved driving experience on Dubai’s roads and beyond. But let’s dive into how they work, why they are important, and how they revolutionize your everyday driving experience.

What is Regenerative Braking?

In a conventional vehicle, friction braking converts part of the vehicle’s kinetic energy into heat at the brake discs and pads. 

Regenerative braking can recover part of this kinetic energy instead of allowing all of it to be dissipated as heat. The electric motor starts to work in reverse when the foot is removed from the accelerator pedal, or when the brake is pressed slightly. During regeneration, the drive motor operates as a generator, using wheel movement to produce electrical energy while creating deceleration. This action causes resistance, slowing down the vehicle. Meanwhile, part of the vehicle’s kinetic energy is converted into electrical energy and returned to the battery when battery conditions allow.

This system provides two main advantages:

  • Energy recovery: Regenerative braking can recover energy during suitable deceleration events and contribute to driving efficiency. 
  • Reduced friction-brake use: Because the electric motor can provide part of the deceleration, regenerative braking may reduce wear on brake pads and discs over time. 

What is Brake-by-Wire?

Regenerative braking is good, but it will not stop a car in an emergency. Physical brakes are still required. This is where brake-by-wire comes in.

In a brake-by-wire system, pedal input is measured electronically and interpreted by a control unit, while hydraulic or mechanical backup arrangements may remain depending on the system design. When you press the pedal, sensors will measure exactly how hard and fast you push. This information is fed into a computer, which immediately sends an electronic command to the braking actuator or hydraulic control unit. 

This electronically controlled system offers several benefits: 

  • Consistent pedal feel: The control system is calibrated to provide a progressive pedal response while blending regenerative and friction braking. 
  • Coordinated braking response: Electronic control allows the vehicle to coordinate pedal input, regenerative braking, and friction braking according to operating conditions. 
  • Seamless blending: The system calculates how much deceleration should come from regenerative braking and how much should come from the friction brakes. Its calibration is intended to make the transition feel smooth and predictable. 

Brake-by-Wire and Regenerative Braking in IM Models 

Selected IM Motors models combine regenerative braking with electronically controlled braking and coordinated chassis functions. Exact braking hardware and system integration vary by model. These systems can coordinate braking, power delivery, and available chassis functions to support smoother deceleration and vehicle control.The IM LS7 and IM 6 feature Continental Integrated One-box Braking Systems designed to coordinate regenerative and friction braking while providing a progressive pedal response.

The integrated braking system and chassis tuning are designed to provide smooth and controlled braking performance and In the IM 6, Intelligent Comfort Stop is stated to reduce braking G-force sensation by up to 92.3% on level surfaces under referenced test conditions. This is intended to reduce noticeable pitching as the vehicle comes to a stop.

Let us examine the braking and chassis technologies confirmed across selected models in the current lineup.

IM Models and Their Technology

IM LS9

  • Drive train: AWD
  • High-voltage platform: 800V SiC
  • Powertrain: Dual-Motor Vector AWD
  • Combined range: 1,500 km NEDC
  • Pure-electric range: 402 km CLTC
  • Stability system: Rolling Prevention 3.0
  • Rollover-risk reduction: up to 54% under referenced test conditions

The IM LS9 is the flagship, a large six-seat SUV. Managing the weight of a large six-seat SUV requires advanced chassis control. The IM LS9 combines an 800V SiC platform, Dual-Motor Vector AWD, and IM Digital Chassis 3.0.

At low speeds, the dual-motor system optimises the regenerative braking performance. The dual-motor system supports regenerative braking during deceleration. In addition, the chassis is equipped with Rolling Prevention 3.0 is part of the wider chassis-control system and is stated to reduce rollover risk by up to 54% under referenced test conditions. It is designed to support vehicle stability during avoidance manoeuvres.

IM LS7

  • Drive Train; AWD; 
  • Battery Capacity; 100 kWh
  • Braking hardware; Brembo front four-piston fixed brake calipers
  • Braking Integration; Continental Integrated One-box Braking System
  • Suspension; Continental Advanced Air Suspension
  • Active damping; BILSTEIN DampTronic Active Damping Control

With a view to providing comfort and performance, the IM LS7 is a pure electric large SUV. This model comes with a high-performance All-Star Chassis. It is equipped with Brembo front four-piston fixed brake calipers and Continental Integrated One-box Braking System.

The Continental One-box braking system operates alongside the BILSTEIN active damping system and Continental air suspension as part of the LS7’s wider All-Star Chassis.During suitable deceleration, the system can blend regenerative and friction braking according to pedal demand, vehicle speed, battery conditions, and system requirements. The wider chassis package is designed to manage pitching and support stability during braking.

IM 5 

  • Drive Train; AWD, 
  • SiC Platform; 800V (Dual-SiC)
  • Agility; Four-wheel steering system
  • Turning radius; 4.99m
  • Safety; European New Car Assessment Programme

The IM 5 is a premium electric sedan, The IM 5 is a premium electric sedan featuring an 800V Dual-SiC platform and Intelligent Four-Wheel Steering. As it is designed for fast, fun driving, Its Intelligent Four-Wheel Steering System supports a turning radius of 4.99 m.

The IM 5 uses regenerative braking as part of its electric-drive operation, while the wider IM Digital Chassis coordinates selected vehicle-control functions. The wider chassis-control system is stated to reduce vehicle deviation by approximately 80% under referenced low-grip or split-friction test conditions.

IM 6 

  • Drive Train; RWD or AWD; 
  • Drag Coefficient; 0.242
  • Agility; Four-wheel steering system; 
  • Turning radius; 5.09m
  • Chassis integration; IM Digital Chassis; 
  • Intelligent Comfort Stop; up to 92.3% reduction in braking G-force sensation on level surfaces under referenced test conditions

The IM 6 is a streamlined electric SUV with a drag coefficient of 0.242 that has all the convenience of a high-quality SUV. It is equipped with IM Digital Chassis, a new chassis system incorporating high level chassis technologies to provide deep-level vehicle intelligence.

The brake-by-wire system blends regenerative and friction braking according to pedal demand and operating conditions.The brake-by-wire setup provides smoother braking transitions associated with urban stop-and-go driving conditions to pedal demand and operating conditions. 

Comparing the Technical Specs Across Models

These advanced drivetrains and chassis platforms allow the premium lineup to benefit from these technologies. To help you picture how IM Motors lineup makes use of these technologies, we have prepared an easy-to-understand breakdown of the specification:

Feature & DetailsIM LS9 IM LS7IM 5 IM 6
Drive Train TypeAWDAWDAWD RWD / AWD
Confirmed braking featureRegenerative braking as part of electric drive operationContinental Integrated One-box Braking System and Brembo front calipers Regenerative braking Regenerative braking and Intelligent Comfort Stop 
Battery Capacity66 kWh100 kWh100 kWh100 kWh
Acceleration (0-100 kph)4.9 seconds4.5 seconds2.74 seconds5.4 seconds RWD / 3.48 seconds AWD
Chassis SystemIM Digital Chassis 3.0All-Star ChassisIM Digital ChassisIM Digital Chassis
Four-wheel steering Bi-Directional 24° Large-Angle Four-Wheel Steering — Intelligent Four-Wheel Steering Intelligent Four-Wheel Steering 
Relevant test claimUp to 54% rollover-risk reduction under referenced conditions— Approx. 80% path-deviation reduction through wider chassis system under referenced conditionsUp to 92.3% reduction in braking G-force sensation under referenced conditions

Book a Demo Drive in Dubai or Abu Dhabi 

The only way to know the true feeling of these systems is to try them out. We invite you for a demo drive with us at IM Motors UAE.

During the drive, you can experience the available regenerative-braking, brake-by-wire, and chassis-control functions through acceleration, deceleration, and stop-and-go driving. Selected IM Motors models combine advanced braking technologies with premium cabin features, including zero-gravity seating and immersive touch screens on selected models.

Experience the Future of Electric Performance

Explore the current IM Motors lineup at our Dubai showroom or Abu Dhabi multi-brand store. 

Visit immotorsuae.com to check out the premium models, compare packages or book your demo drive today. Experience selected IM Motors models at IM Motors UAE. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How is brake-by-wire different from a normal brake pedal?

Brake-by-wire systems interpret pedal input electronically, while conventional hydraulic systems transfer pedal force directly through hydraulic pressure. In systems such as the LS7’s Continental Integrated One-box Braking System, the calibration is designed to provide a progressive pedal response while coordinating regenerative and friction braking.

What happens if the brake-by-wire electrical system fails?

The safety of customers is the top priority. Braking systems are engineered with safety monitoring and backup measures that vary by design. Brake-by-wire systems include monitoring and backup measures that vary by vehicle design. Drivers should follow dashboard warnings and refer to the owner’s manual for model-specific procedures.

Can regenerative braking be used when the battery is fully charged?

When the battery is fully charged, very cold, very hot, or otherwise unable to accept its normal regenerative power, energy recovery may be reduced. The friction brakes remain available to provide the required deceleration. Normal regenerative performance may return as battery temperature, state of charge, and other operating conditions allow. 

Does regenerative braking require maintenance?

Regenerative braking may reduce the use and wear of friction-brake components. However, the brake pads, discs, fluid, and related systems still require inspection and maintenance according to the official service schedule.

Can I adjust how strong the regenerative braking feels?

Regenerative-braking behaviour may vary by model, drive mode, and vehicle settings. The exact adjustment options should be confirmed in the vehicle interface or owner’s manual for the selected model. 

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