This paper reviews and summarizes the development, key technologies, and application of brake-by-wire (BBW) actuators. BBW is the technology orientation of future vehicle brake system. The main feature of BBW is to replace some of the mechanical and hydraulic components of traditional brake system with electronic control components, and use cables and wires to transmit energy and signals. BBW actuators have outstanding advantages, such as fast response, accurate control, and compact structure. They are easy to integrate with active safety functions and they are easily matched with the regenerative braking systems of electric vehicle. First, this paper summarizes the classification, characteristics, performance, and architecture of BBW actuators. Subsequently, the braking process regulation of vehicle is considered to be the main target, which is summarized from two aspects of actuator regulation and braking force distribution. The state estimation algorithm and control algorithm applied to these actuators are summarized and analyzed, and the development trend, challenges, and schemes of the braking force distribution are proposed. The development and research trend of braking force match strategies between the regenerative brake system and BBW system are also analyzed and summarized. The further electrification and intelligence of vehicle demand BBW's braking force control method and distribution method must have higher control accuracy, stronger robustness, and wider adaptability, and the effects on braking comfort and handling stability must be further discussed.Actuators 2020, 9, 15 2 of 24 new features [2,3]. The additional functions, such as ABS and ESP, require additional devices, such as high-speed solenoid valves, oil return pumps, and return lines. Therefore, the structure of hydraulic brake system is becoming increasingly complex, and the maintenance is also becoming more and more difficult [4,5]. At present, new energy vehicles, such as electric vehicles (EV), hybrid electric vehicles (HEV), and fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV), are developing rapidly and are highly concerned by major automotive manufacturers. However, most electric vehicles still use hydraulic brake system. On the one hand, the electric vehicles cannot use vacuum boosters to provide auxiliary force. The electric hydraulic pump must first be used to increase the hydraulic pressure, and then delivers the high pressure to each wheel. The electric energy needs to be converted and then transmitted multiple times in this process, so the energy utilization efficiency is not high, and there is the potential danger of brake fluid leakage. On the other hand, the hydraulic brake system cannot accurately and independently regulate the braking force, so it cannot be well matched with the regenerative brake system of EV and HEV [6].Actuators 2020, 9, 15 2 of 24 hydraulic brake system is becoming increasingly complex, and the maintenance is also becoming more and more difficult [4,5]. At present, new energy vehicles, such as electric vehicles (EV)...