Hydraulic and electric brakes are two different braking systems for transferring the "stop" signal from the brake pedal to the brakes themselves. Hydraulic systems are mechanical and use compressed liquid to change the pressure when the driver depresses the brake pedal, whereas electric systems convert the brake pedal pressure into an electric signal that is then transferred to the brakes.
Consider a hydraulic system as a means of physically transferring force. When you depress the brake pedal in your vehicle, you're moving a piston that pushes liquid down a series of tubes. This liquid, due to its high pressure, gives enough power to press the brakes down.
Think of electric brakes as a means of translating force. When you depress the brake pedal in an electric braking system, you're sending an electric signal down a wire, which then activates the brakes. This is different than transferring force because the electricity is telling the brakes to activate rather than activating them on its own.
Consider the advantages of electric brakes. Namely, they offer more control: an electric braking system can automatically adjust for road conditions, engine torque and a variety of other specific stimuli.
Look at the advantages of hydraulic brakes. The biggest advantage is that they have fewer moving parts. This makes them more durable and less time-consuming and expensive to fix if necessary.
