The EBS system differs from an ABS system in a number of aspects.
An ABS system merely controls braking if the wheels have locked or tend to lock. The ABS system then ensures that the wheels do not lock so as not to lose steering and to improve braking. Under normal braking, the driver activates the air to the brake cylinders via the service brake valve.
EBS controls the entire braking sequence, both applying and releasing of the brake. The system gauges how much braking the driver wants and then allows the control modules at the wheels to activate the air to the brake chambers. This gives a shorter reaction time and consequently a shorter braking distance.