The braking function in electric cars differs from conventional ones significantly: In electric vehicles, as much as possible of the deceleration effect of the braking process is used to transform kinetic energy into electric energy by switching the electric motor into generator mode. This energy, in turn, is used to recharge the battery; the term for this approach is recuperation. As a consequence, the mechanic wheel brake is used less frequently and therefore can be designed differently in comparison to conventional cars.

In Contienntal’s new design, the rim consists of two aluminum parts (Al) - the inner Al carrier and the Al-brake disc and the outer Al rim base with the tire. In contrast to conventional wheel brakes, the brake on the New Wheel Concept engages from the inside into the Al pulley. This allows it to have a significantly larger diameter than conventional systems, which allows the use of an aluminum disc without the loss of brake performance. The corrosion-free Al brake disc prevents the formation of rust (as is normal with grey cast-iron discs).

Continental’s concept is based on a new division between wheel and axle. The wheel here consists of two parts, the aluminum carrier star, which remains permanently attached to the wheel hub and the rim bed, which is bolted to the carrier. The wheel brake is fastened to the wheel carrier of the axle and engages from the inside into an annular aluminum brake disc, which in turn is bolted to the carrier wheel. The design allows a large brake disk friction radius, as the space available in the wheel is optimally utilized.

"It is absolutely essential in electric vehicles that the driver is wasting as little energy as possible on the friction brake," says Paul Linhoff, Head of Chassis & Safety Brake Pre-Development at Continental. "In the event of a deceleration the vehicle’s momentum is to be converted into electricity in the