What cars use electric brakes?
Electric brakes in today’s vehicles usually fall into two categories: electric parking brakes (EPB) and regenerative braking. Most cars still rely on hydraulic brakes for everyday stopping, but EPB is now common across many models, and regenerative braking is standard in hybrids and electric vehicles. In addition, some tow setups use electric braking for trailers, but that is a separate system from the passenger-car brakes.
This article explains what these systems are, where you’ll find them, and which vehicles use them today. It covers how EPB works, how regenerative braking blends with friction brakes, and what adoption looks like across brands and drivetrains.
Electric parking brakes (EPB)
EPB replaces the traditional handbrake with an electric switch or control that activates rear brakes via a small motor. In many cars this is paired with automatic release, auto-hold, and hill-start assist to simplify daily use.
- Actuation method: a dedicated electric motor applies the rear brakes instead of a mechanical lever.
- Release and control: most cars auto-release the parking brake when you start to move, with manual release available via a button in others.
- Integrated features: Auto Hold, Hill Start Assist, and coordination with ABS/stability systems for safer parking and stopping on slopes.
- Service and reliability: modern EPB systems improve reliability, though some owners look for service options related to rear-brake components when the car is stationary for long periods.
EPB has become widely standard across many new models and brands, with some cars offering EPB as standard even on entry-level trims and others providing it as an option.
Driver experience with EPB
Switching to an electronic parking brake changes the daily routine: fewer levers, a cleaner center console, and convenient automatic release. Some drivers notice minor differences in hill-start behavior depending on the model and how the system is tuned, but overall the transition is designed to be seamless.
Regenerative braking in hybrids and electric vehicles
Regenerative braking uses the vehicle’s electric motor as a generator to slow the car and recharge the battery. Friction brakes still provide stopping power, especially for strong decelerations or when regen is limited by battery state of charge or temperature. This blending maintains safety while improving efficiency.
- Where regen is used: hybrids (HEVs), plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), and battery electric vehicles (BEVs) across most segments.
- One-pedal driving: many BEVs and some HEVs offer high levels of regen that let drivers slow and stop with a single pedal in everyday conditions.
- Control and safety: brake-by-wire logic blends regen with hydraulic braking to preserve ABS and stability control.
- Limitations: regen effectiveness depends on battery state and conditions; at very low speeds or during heavy braking, friction brakes take over.
Regenerative braking is a defining feature of electrified vehicles, designed to recover energy while ensuring predictable, safe stopping. It works in concert with traditional braking rather than replacing it entirely.
Which cars use electric brakes?
Most new cars today use some form of electric braking: electric parking brakes are common across mainstream brands, and regenerative braking is standard on virtually all hybrids and BEVs. For trailers, some setups use electric brake controllers as a separate system, but in everyday passenger cars the two primary electric-braking concepts are EPB for parking and regen braking for energy recovery during driving.
Summary
Electric braking in modern cars centers on two core technologies: EPB for parking and regenerative braking for energy recovery in hybrids and EVs. EPB has become widespread, reducing or replacing traditional handbrakes, while regenerative braking enhances efficiency and one-pedal driving in electrified vehicles. As a result, many drivers experience smoother parking controls and more efficient stopping in everyday use, with conventional hydraulic brakes continuing to handle heavy or emergency stops.
Which cars have electric hand brakes?
Cars with an electronic handbrake
- Audi A3.
- BMW 1 Series.
- Ford Focus.
- Honda Civic.
- Hyundai Tucson.
- Range Rover Sport.
- Mercedes A-Class.
- Peugeot 208.
What year do cars have electric brakes?
The ECB went on sale in Japan in June 2001, first appearing on the Toyota Estima hybrid (first generation), and making its North American debut with the launch of the Lexus RX 400h SUV in April 2005.
Do any cars use electric brakes?
Electrohydraulic Brakes
These brakes are typically used in hybrid or electric vehicles that have complex brake systems due to the use of regenerative braking. This type of brakes work by using an electric motor to control the hydraulic system that applies pressure to the brake pads.
What are the disadvantages of electric braking?
One disadvantage of electric braking, particularly in vehicles that rely heavily on regenerative braking, is that it can result in reduced brake pedal feel. Because the majority of the braking force is generated by the electric motor, the driver may not feel as much resistance when applying the brakes.
