ZF will now offer the heavy-duty electric park brake (EPB) on the 2018 Ford F-150, which the companies say is the first launch of a heavy duty electric park brake system in North America for larger light trucks.

“The electric park brake … can result in a weight savings of up to 20 lbs. or more for commercial vans, larger trucks and SUVs when compared to conventional drum-in-hat park brakes,” said Manfred Meyer, ZF’s senior vice president for global braking. “This can lead to enhanced fuel economy and reduced CO2 emissions and, by eliminating the park brake lever or pedal, it frees up space in the interior cabin and activates with the touch of a button.”

“EPB offers important, potential safety advantages and can contribute to automated functions that assist drivers,” Meyer continued. “EPB can work in conjunction with electronic stability control to help allow for improved emergency stops, or help relieve fatigue in traffic jam situations by holding the vehicle stationary when needed and allowing the vehicle to move forward when it’s safe to proceed.”