Innovation

Creating and innovating to improve together

Partnerships to improve the environmental impact of products

The transport sector has to tackle the challenges posed by climate change and air pollution. Brembo, through its Research and Development activity, monitors the continuous evolution of the sector, directing research into the best braking system toward solutions able to meet the challenges of the future such as electrification, autonomous driving and digitalisation.

Brembo, aware of the environmental impacts generated by the production processes typical of the automotive market, is committed to strengthening the development of innovative and carbon neutral products, convinced that purchasing decisions will be increasingly driven by environmental impact, but especially by the will to consolidate the change to sustainable mobility and reduce the environmental impact of the Group’s entire value chain.

Innovation, for Brembo, aims to ensure not only increasingly cutting-edge products able to anticipate and meet the new needs typical of the automotive industry, but also products that allow the environmental impact to be improved, through:

• the selection of low-impact raw materials;

• the reduction of GHG emissions thanks to the use of lights alloys allowing to limit braking systems weight;

• the reduction of particulates during braking, harmful for human health;

• the development of smart products such as mechatronic components.

In a perspective of open-innovation, and to improve the effectiveness of research in these areas, the Group encourages collaboration, through networks and joint work projects, with other players in the automotive sector: Research Centres and Universities both at Italian level and at international level. During 2020, Brembo took part in the following joint research projects:

INPROVES: a project to develop and validate high performance electric motors to be used in the next generation of braking and electric propulsion systems for electric vehicles. The project meets the sustainability goals of the Group that has decided to invest in the production of electric motors with a potential significant impact on the environment, thanks to the reduction in fossil fuel consumption. Brembo successfully completed the design of brake system motors and their production process, with an initial series of prototypes created and tested. June 2020 saw the installation at the plant in Stezzano (Italy) of a pilot flexible production line to demonstrate the efficacy of the Internet-of-Things and Industry 4.0 paradigm, applied to specialised production.

MODALES (MOdify Drivers’ behaviour to Adapt for Lower EmissionS): this project is the clearest expression of Brembo’s commitment over the past eight years in the field of non-exhaust particulate emissions produced by brake systems through European Union projects of the calibre of Rebrake, COBRA and LOWBRASYS. This project, in which Brembo takes part as a developing partner, involves analysing driver behaviour, not only as a consequence of the particulates emitted by brake use, but also with regard to tyres, exhaust systems and problems relating to maintenance and tampering. Once the behaviour that has a negative influence on overall emissions levels has been identified, a strategy will be developed to guide drivers’ behaviour to be more respectful of the environment around them.

For further information: http://modales-project.eu/

ENSEMBLE: the main goal of this project is to support the adoption of a multi-brand truck platooning in Europe, by working on standardisation, universal communication projects and international legislation. Improved traffic security, productivity, fuel savings and, overall, a direct positive impact on total emissions represent the immediate benefits connected with the implementation of this initiative. These benefits will be demonstrated by guiding up to six trucks of different brands in one (or more) platoons in real traffic conditions across national borders during the final event.

For further information: https://platooningensemble.eu/

EVC1000: : The EVC1000 project seeks to further increase user awareness and acceptance of electric vehicles (EVs) by developing components and systems independent of the brand using an integrated in-wheel propulsion architecture and proposing an approach to managing EVs implemented on second-generation electric vehicles. The goal of EVC1000 is to exceed the ERTRAC efficiency targets for EV2030+, demonstrating a range of 1,000 km with a maximum of 60-90 minutes of additional travel time thanks to faster recharging, while also reducing costs by at least 20%. This would also make it possible to achieve greater convenience and comfort in long-distance trips. Brembo will contribute to achieving these goals by developing and supplying a Brake By Wire system that will include brake mixing strategies and other advanced features developed with the consortium to optimise regeneration and residual resistance, thereby increasing the vehicle’s overall efficiency and range by 10% in real working conditions.

For further information: http://www.evc1000.eu/en/

The results of innovation

Brembo reinforces its commitment to sustainability also with its products, contributing through the braking system to the reduction of emissions.

In line with the most recent automotive trends and aimed particularly at premium and luxury cars, Brembo presents the new Greentive®, brake disc, featuring an innovative coating applied with High-Velocity- Oxy- Fuel (HVOF) technology on the braking surface.

Thanks to this technology, Greentive® guarantees very low wear, which prolongs disc life significantly and at the same time reduces dust emissions during braking. As well as having a reduced impact on the environment, this allows the motorist to keep the rims cleaner. In addition, the disc has high resistance to corrosion which is particularly discernible on the new generations of electric vehicles the braking system of which is used differently. Also from the point of view of style, Greentive® stands out for the mirrored effect that gives it elegance and personality. A feature further reinforced by the Brembo logo on the braking surface, which highlights its identity and signals the moment the disc needs to be replaced. It should be mentioned that the new coating technology can be applied to the braking surface of all types of Brembo discs.

Brembo's commitment to sustainability and environment doesn't end here: starting from the first R&D stages, it encompasses all its activities, substantiating its strong motivation to develop increasingly more sustainable products, solutions and processes, where even the smallest detail can make all the difference, as with Enesys.

Enesys, Energy Saving System® is the new technological generation of Brembo brake springs produced to reduce brake residual torque. Enesys further increases brake system efficiency due to the reduction in possible residual contact between the pads and the disc when the driver is not braking. This is a solution that helps to cut emissions and reduce energy waste as it limits pad and disc wear, thereby containing the particles generated by residual friction. In addition, the avoidance of excessive wear means that product maintenance needs can be reduced and product life extended.