The decline in ICE cars has had it’s consequences -

 

https://europe.autonews.com/suppliers/continental-close-plants-europe-us

 

The word is out and things could happen relatively fast.

Interesting to note that as well as the expected reduction in ICE-specific technology investments Continental are also backing off on hydraulic brake systems.

 

Is there a world oversupply in this area, or maybe they're refocussing on core business?

 

After all, EVs need brakes too

 

Edited 26 September, 20196 yr by StickyMicky
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Regenerative braking in EVs and hybrids is taking over as the main braking function to the extent that the hydraulic brake is largely seen as an emergency backup on such vehicles*. We're going to see hydraulic brakes become physically smaller and more niche as time passes, requiring fewer manufacturers to design/supply conventional braking components. For vehicle design engineers it's a win too, since smaller brakes means less unsprung and rotating mass on the suspension.

 

* There are anecdotes out there that often regenerative braking has to be dialed back during development as it can be too forceful for occupant comfort otherwise.

Thanks for the explanation.  I hadn't appreciated just how far regen braking had developed ...

That Porsche Taycan apaprently uses regenerative braking 90% of the time. Pads are rated with a best before date so even on a performace car the brakes are expected to last a long time.

The unions will be worried about the implications because the public already know about the ICE threats and confirmation via industry closures will accelerate their thinking about their next car.

The much discussed 10-15 year transition could end up much shorter.

I can’t see leasing companies or businesses backing a choice with diminishing residuals and that’s a ticking time bomb for all those OEM production line workers.

Even in Australia I’m now seeing the local product as being quaintly old fashioned - big depreciation - high maintenance - fuel pricing dependent.

A local supermarket chain is installing 22kwh chargers and we’ve got hardly any EV supply yet beyond Tesla M3.

13 hours ago, Aspman said:

That Porsche Taycan apaprently uses regenerative braking 90% of the time. Pads are rated with a best before date so even on a performace car the brakes are expected to last a long time.

The braking capacity is the anathema of the EV.

Ok if the Sunday morning coffee isn’t far away.