Nexteer Automotive, a tier one automotive supplier committed exclusively to wheel-to-wheel advanced steering and driveline systems, says electric power steering (EPS) will be standard on more than half of the world's vehicles by 2020.
"The push toward increasing fuel economy and reducing emissions is driving vehicle electrification on a global level and EPS is one of the key technologies helping automakers meet the new requirements," says Ted Seeger, global chief engineer – electric steering, Nexteer Automotive. "The direct benefit to drivers, in addition to fuel savings, is a host of ancillary features that improve safety and performance. As a result, EPS will become the steering technology of choice during the next decade."
According to Nexteer, three key attributes are influencing its widespread adoption.
Fuel economy – With new federal mandates in the United States for fleet average levels of 35.5 m.p.g., EPS is cited by automakers as a primary technology for improving fuel economy. Ford Motor Co. recently announced that EPS would be on 90 percent of its vehicles by 2012. An integrated EPS system eliminates the need for pumps and hoses and only uses energy when the driver steers, improving system efficiency and reducing emissions and overall energy use. Nexteer EPS systems improve fuel economy by approximately 4 percent, helping to solve the number-one challenge for global automakers.
Vehicle electrification – All hybrid/electric vehicles require EPS systems for steering operation in electric mode. As automakers continue to introduce hybrid variants and concepts, the number of EPS systems within the market will increase. Its platform flexibility allows it to be applied to non-hybrid variants as well. An additional advantage for automakers and drivers is the low-NVH characteristics of Nexteer column-mounted EPS systems. Operating under 35 db, Nexteer EPS systems are quieter than the average library (40 db).
Safety and convenience systems integration – Automakers are rapidly increasing the amount of safety and performance electronics in vehicles, including lane departure warning, parking assist, speed-sensitive steering and other stability control systems. Platform flexibility allows EPS to work in conjunction with these and other vehicle systems to optimize performance. Current systems compensate for wind shear, road surface imperfections and vehicle alignment to deliver on-center feel.
"Drivers associate steering with 'feel'," Seeger says. "The first EPS systems lacked the sophistication to make the systems feel 'normal.' However, today's systems are so advanced that drivers are unable to differentiate a traditional hydraulic system from EPS – a significant milestone for the technology. Now, we're able to add active features like speed-sensitive steering to enhance performance and handling."
EPS platforms have evolved to the point where simple algorithms can adjust a vehicle from a comfort mode that requires less driver input, to a racing-like sport mode, often with the push of a button.
"System tuning, along with multiple packaging options, allow us a lot of flexibility," Seeger says. "It enables us to work directly with our customer's vehicle dynamics teams to optimize vehicle suspension and handling. It also makes it possible for EPS to be installed in a wide range of vehicles, making it an ideal solution."
For more information, visit www.nexteer.com.
