In a bid to cater to the increasing demand for heavier electric vehicles (EVs) in segments B through D, Nexteer Automotive is expanding the output capabilities of its pinion electric power steering (EPS) systems.
The new high-output options for Single Pinon-Assist EPS (SPEPS) and Dual Pinion-Assist EPS (DPEPS) will join the company's previously announced high-out Rack-Assist EPS (REPS) to provide high-output options for all types of underhood EPS systems.
The new high-output options for DPEPS and SPEPS systems increase the steering capability by 12 to 20% – translating into 14.5 kilonewtons (kN) for DPEPS and up to 12.5kN for SPEPS.
The company said it has booked three electric applications for high-output REPS, including a full-size electric pick-up truck, an electric LCV (delivery van) and an electric autonomous Level-4 people mover (with no steering wheel).
According to the steering systems manufacturer, these high-output solutions benefit OEM customers by enabling them to steer heavier EV loads in B through D segment vehicles without moving up to more premium EPS technologies traditionally employed for larger segment vehicles.
The company's high-output REPS increases the steering capacity by up to 24kN of load compared with 10-17kN for a typical REPS system.
In addition to EVs, which are in many cases heavier than comparable internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, high-output REPS can also convert heavy-duty trucks and light commercial vehicles, in the 3.5–6T segment, from hydraulic to electric power steering. With the ability to steer these vehicle types electrically, drivers of these vehicles can benefit from enhanced fuel efficiency, advanced safety, and comfort features such as lane keep assist, crosswind compensation and trailer assist, the company said.
Robin Milavec, Executive Board Director, Senior Vice President, Chief Technology Officer and Chief Strategy Officer, Nexteer Automotive, said the expanded high-output EPS product portfolio will further strengthen its ability to meet the needs of its customers globally. Besides, it will also offer new opportunities to expand its customer base and market diversification in an increasingly electrified future.