On October 26, 2026, BASF announced that it had joined Chery Automobile and Suzhou Coordinate Intelligent Technology to showcase what it described as the world's first series-production electromechanical braking (EMB) brake-by-wire system. The system uses BASF's Ultramid and Ultradur high-performance materials in key components, linking material selection directly to the development of electronic, lightweight braking systems.

The materials provide mechanical performance, electrical insulation and dimensional stability to meet demanding operating requirements in an all-plastic pedal and components identified as MGU and DCU. These requirements place several demands on material selection: structural performance must be considered alongside electrical properties and the ability to maintain component dimensions under operating conditions.

Material performance becomes part of system integration

The significance of the announcement extends beyond replacing individual parts with plastic. In the applications highlighted, the materials must support several functions at once. This suggests that lightweight component development and electrical integration need to be assessed together, with material properties matched to the requirements of each part.

For component designers and material suppliers, the immediate point of interest is how those requirements are balanced. A material's suitability for one component does not by itself establish its suitability across the braking system; the all-plastic pedal, MGU and DCU each make application-specific performance relevant.

The series-production claim gives the showcase a concrete manufacturing focus. Broader conclusions about adoption, weight savings, cost or braking performance would require further product disclosures. Subsequent technical announcements could help establish how the material choices translate into measurable benefits in production applications.