EV Expert Spotlight: An Interview with Mir Mubashir Ali Khan

Question: Mir, welcome to our EV Expert Spotlight series! Let’s begin with your journey. What inspired you to specialize in Brake-by-Wire (BBW) systems within the EV industry?
Answer:
Thank you for having me. My journey into BBW systems stemmed from a deep interest in the intersection of mechanical systems and software-driven innovation. At Canoo, I had the unique opportunity to lead the design and integration of BBW systems—replacing traditional hydraulic braking with a fully electronic architecture. The potential to improve safety, enhance energy efficiency, and enable next-gen EV and autonomous vehicle capabilities was both a challenge and an inspiration.

Question: Can you break down for our readers what Brake-by-Wire actually means and why it's such a game-changer for EVs?
Answer:
Certainly. Traditional brakes rely on hydraulic force transferred from the pedal to the wheels. BBW replaces all of that with sensors, actuators, and an electronic control unit. This system allows for faster, more precise braking, which is essential in EVs where regenerative braking is used to recharge the battery during deceleration. The real game-changer is how seamlessly BBW integrates with autonomous systems and advanced safety features like ABS, ESC, and automatic emergency braking.

Question: You’ve worked with Canoo and are now with Rivian—two companies shaping the EV frontier. What were your key contributions in these roles?
Answer:
At Canoo, I oversaw the development of over 50 BBW-related components, from requirements definition to production readiness. I developed calibration strategies for pedal mapping, regenerative braking coordination, and fail-safe redundancies. My work ensured zero downtime during multiple vehicle launches, including Canoo LV and LDV platforms. Now at Rivian, I’m continuing to push the envelope in process integration and scaling innovation for mass production.

Question: Looking ahead, what excites you the most in the next phase of BBW development?
Answer:
I’m particularly excited about three areas. First, fully wireless BBW systems, which reduce vehicle weight and complexity. Second, AI-driven braking logic that can adapt to individual driving behavior and road conditions in real time. And third, V2X integration, where vehicles can communicate braking actions to surrounding infrastructure or vehicles—this is critical for the future of smart cities and collaborative safety systems.

Question: How do you see your work contributing to U.S. innovation and global sustainability efforts?
Answer:
BBW technology directly supports the U.S. mission to lead in clean transportation. It enhances safety, improves EV efficiency through better regenerative braking, and reduces reliance on pollutive hydraulic fluids. On a broader scale, BBW helps reduce operational and manufacturing costs, which can make EVs more accessible. My goal is to not only push technical innovation but also help shape national standards and guide ethical, scalable implementation.

Question: For young engineers looking to follow in your footsteps, what advice would you give?
Answer:
Be curious and willing to explore where software meets mechanical systems. Learn not just the technical details, but also the why behind each system—what value it brings, what problems it solves. And most importantly, stay adaptable. EVs and mobility tech are evolving fast, and the best engineers are those who evolve with it.

Question: Final question—what's next for you?
Answer:
I’m focused on leading the development of next-gen BBW systems, collaborating with safety regulators like NHTSA, and contributing to the standardization of this technology across the EV and autonomous sectors. The future of braking is digital, intelligent, and safe—and I’m excited to be part of shaping it.