General
The parking brake secures a stopping or parked vehicle to prevent it from rolling away, even on sloping roads. In contrast to the service brake, the parking brake acts on the brake system of only one axle. It is usually the rear axle.
The electric parking brake is operated manually using a switch or automatically, e.g. on an inclined roadway. It acts directly via actuator motors mounted on the brake calipers. The electric parking brake maintains the braking effect even when deenergized.
The electric parking brake is released manually using a switch or automatically, e.g. when moving off.