Schaeffler is testing a wet lamella brake designed for future electric axles, with the goal of integrating the brake, actuator, and oil/cooling circuit into a single system for series-production electric vehicles (EVs).
The enclosed brake is designed to eliminate brake dust, reduce noise and maintenance requirements, resist corrosion, and support future brake-by-wire architectures.
The company is evaluating torque and friction stability, service life, and thermal management under high-load conditions. Because regenerative braking handles many routine braking events in battery-electric vehicles, the mechanical braking system is used less frequently but remains necessary for critical braking situations.
Schaeffler says data from the testing will help guide lubrication and cooling strategies for future e-axles with integrated braking systems.
The brake is being demonstrated in Schaeffler’s Audi R8 LMS GT2 Innovation Taxi during the DTM race weekend at the Nürburgring from August 14 to 16, 2026.
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