ZF Friedrichshafen announced that its electric park brake (EPB) is now available for the 2018 Ford F-150.
“The electric park brake is a remarkably versatile technology ideal for larger light vehicles,” said Manfred Meyer, senior vice president for global braking. “For example, it can result in a weight savings of up to 20 pounds or more for commercial vans, larger trucks and SUVs when compared to conventional drum-in-hat park brakes. This can lead to enhanced fuel economy and reduced CO2 emissions and, by eliminating the park brake lever or pedal, it frees up space in the interior cabin and activates with the touch of a button.”
ZF’s electric park brake, which has been standard on Ford’s passenger cars, is now standard on the 2018 F-150.
“EPB offers important, potential safety advantages and can contribute to automated functions that assist drivers,” Meyer continued. “EPB can work in conjunction with electronic stability control to help allow for improved emergency stops, or help relieve fatigue in traffic jam situations by holding the vehicle stationary when needed and allowing the vehicle to move forward when it’s safe to proceed.”
ZF pioneered the electric park brake for light vehicles through TRW in 2001 and is the world’s volume leader in EPB technology with more than 100 million on world roadways for passenger cars, light trucks, commercial vans and SUVs. The EPB system functions as a conventional hydraulic brake for standard service brake applications, and as an electric brake for parking and emergency braking.