While Continental's second-generation brake-by-wire system, MK C2, has been in global series production since 2022 and has been integrated into a few vehicles by select OEMs, its adoption is still gaining traction in India. Sukhdeep Singh Sandhu, Market Head India – Segment ASC, PSS & WBS, Continental Automotive Components India, told Mobility Outlook that there is an initial level of interest from a few vehicle manufacturers in India.
The Technology
The MK C2 system seamlessly integrates the master cylinder (MC), brake booster, and control systems (ESC and normal braking) into a singular, compact, and lightweight module. This innovative system is founded on the Multilogic Architecture, enhancing functionality and system availability. Drawing from the success and knowledge of the groundbreaking MK C1, the MK C2 continues to play a pivotal role in ensuring safe, dynamic driving, and promoting energy efficiency.
Continental emphasises that the MK C2 significantly contributes to driving safety, dynamism, and environmental consciousness, thanks to its 100% efficient regenerative braking. When coupled with a Hydraulic Brake Extension (HBE), the system provides a redundant fallback level for highly automated driving scenarios. Additionally, the MK C2 incorporates cutting-edge cybersecurity features and over-the-air (OTA) functionality, ensuring easy installation in the vehicle.
In terms of driver benefits, the system boasts a notably faster buildup of autonomous braking pressure compared to conventional hydraulic systems, ensuring a swift response during braking.
“This marks the transition from the conventional MK 120 ESC to MK C2,” he highlighted. The MK 120 ESC represents Continental’s latest generation of conventional electronic brake systems, enhancing efficiency while incorporating cybersecurity features and over-the-air (OTA) functionality, making it easily integrable into vehicles.
Unlike the conventional system with many external and independent mechanical components, the MK C2 stands out as a more compact, robust, and integrated unit. Due to its efficient design and compact nature, 'the likelihood of failure is significantly minimized,' he affirmed.
Another notable advantage for vehicle manufacturers is the streamlined assembly process, leading to a positive impact on TAKT time, thanks to the system's compact and all-in-one unit. OEMs will take various factors into consideration, such as their braking strategy or architecture, to make decisions in the long run, making it highly dependent on how they define their overall setup.
Speaking on the cost perspective, Sandhu said, “I don't have an immediate judgment on whether there is a significant cost benefit, but it proves to be more efficient from the assembly standpoint.” Additionally, the new system contributes to a 20% reduction in weight for the same package size.
The primary advantage of implementing the MK C2 system is a significantly reduced 'time to lock,' referring to the duration it takes for the car to take control and come to a stop in emergency situations. This new system can achieve a 30% to 40% reduction in time to lock, attributed to its larger motor and enhanced functionalities.
Indian OEMs are expressing keen interest, given the substantial shift towards safety and the rising prominence of e-mobility in the past two years. Anticipating swift adoption, the progression of OEMs indicates a proactive approach, driven by consumer interest in specific technologies, even before regulatory mandates. Despite ESC not being currently regulated, many OEMs have already incorporated it into their vehicles.
Key AdvantagesMK C2 systems offer several benefits, including a notable reduction of 5g of CO2 per km according to WLTP testing, when compared to conventional systems. The innovative architecture facilitates the use of true zero-drag calipers, contributing to a further decrease in emissions. Additionally, the multi-logic architecture enables the removal of parking pawl for EV and valet parking. The reduction in size, weight, and the number of components compared to MK C1, along with minimised installation efforts, provides OEMs with opportunities to optimise their production schedules.
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