- TRW is developing advanced braking technology for hybrid braking. “Slip Control Boost offers a fully integrated TRW stability and brake actuation system that replaces traditional boosters, master cylinders and vacuum pumps with an electro-hydraulic control unit (EHCU), and brake pedal simulator unit with a twin master cylinder to supply brake pressure.” JC over at After Gutenberg follows up with: Brake by Wire.
- Seattle’s drive towards fewer cars. “Assuming the same percentage of people continued driving alone to work, the city estimates it would have to build 20 city blocks of 10-story parking garages downtown.”
- Short interview with Andrew Frank University of California at Davis on plug-in hybrids.
- From time to time other web sites show up in the log files when someone links to us. Sometimes the discussions are interesting, or at least provide a new perspective. Here’s a couple from this week: MX6.com and TeamSwift.net.
The TRW system looks like it will closely mirror what Wabco already produces for the MD truck markets which uses electric motors to build and maintain a reservoir of hydraulic pressure which is then proportionally applied based on driver signals.
Also, Wabco offers “Brake-by-wire” technology for the European truck market in their air brake products. This system integrates ABS and “normal” braking into a single system. It decreases stopping distances, and reduces the leakage inherant with any air type brake system.
These people are getting good info from these forums. I wish the “EV List” would jump into the 21st century and use these forum styles, much more practical for the reader.