AUTOMOTIVE STEERING MOTOR MARKET

INTRODUCTION

A steering motor, which can be placed on the steering column or the steering gear, delivers torque to the steering column, aiding the driver in moving the steering wheel. At the moment, steer-by-wire technology is gaining traction. It does away with the physical connection between the steering wheel and the car's wheels by using electrically driven motors to change the direction of the wheels and offer feedback to the driver.

The growing use of Electronic Power Steering (EPS) in modern cars is a major driver of the automotive steering motors industry. EPS systems offer numerous benefits to both drivers and vehicles; they minimize fuel consumption and emissions.

The steering system of a car has two primary functions: first, it allows the driver to direct the vehicle along a chosen route or trajectory without needing undue physical effort, and second, it aids the driver in judging driving conditions by providing feedback. The latter is a subtle component of the steering system, with the driver in the feedback loop attempting to minimize any deviation from the planned route that the vehicle may have.

The steering system comprises the components that allow the driver to turn the vehicle's front wheels and, in certain cases, a limited degree of steering by the rear wheels. The overall function of the steering mechanism has not altered significantly since the early days of the car.

The basic functioning and purpose of the steering column has not altered significantly; the column allows the driver to control the direction of the front wheels and offers some leverage to make steering simpler. Early steering columns housed the steering shaft, steering wheel, and frequently the choke and ignition timing advance controls.

AUTOMOTIVE STEERING MOTOR MARKET DEVELOPMENTS AND INNOVATIONS

AUTOMOTIVE STEERING MOTOR MARKET DYNAMICS

A steering motor, which can be placed on the steering column or the steering gear, delivers torque to the steering column, aiding the driver in moving the steering wheel. At the moment, steer-by-wire technology is gaining traction.

It does away with the physical connection between the steering wheel and the car's wheels by using electrically driven motors to change the direction of the wheels and offer feedback to the driver. The growing use of Electronic Power Steering (EPS) in modern cars is a major driver of the automotive steering motors industry.

Some of the main reasons driving market expansion include increased use of EPS in modern vehicles and increased penetration of Steer-by-Wire Technology. The global automotive market is expanding at a rapid pace, despite constant demand for passenger and commercial cars.

Developing nations like India, China, and Brazil have the highest need for automotive and replacement parts. Given the quick speed of technological advancements in the automotive industry, key businesses are focused on the comfort and safety given to the driver, where the vehicle power steering system plays a critical part in modern-day cars.

As a result, engineers in the field are obliged to design solutions that keep up with this transition. One such advancement is electric power steering, or EPS. Because the system does not use oil or harm the environment, it utilises approximately one-twentieth the energy of traditional hydraulic power every time the steering wheel is moved by the driver.

Furthermore, the software incorporated within the EPS controller allows for improved performance and simple tweaking. When it comes to the kind of automobile steering system, EPS has the greatest value share in Japan and Europe. Because it consumes just 25% of the total energy, EHPS is an innovative substitute for belt-driven power steering pumps.

AUTOMOTIVE STEERING MOTOR MARKET SEGMENTATION

The Global Automotive Steering Motor Market can be segmented into following categories for further analysis.

By Steering Type

• Electric Power Steering Motor
• Electric Power Hydraulic Steering Motor

By EV Classification

• BEV
• HEV
• FCEV
• Conventional Fuel Vehicle

By Regional Classification

• Asia Pacific Region - APAC
• Middle East and Gulf Region
• Africa Region
• North America Region
• Europe Region
• Latin America and Caribbean Region

RECENT TECHNOLOGICAL TRENDS IN AUTOMOTIVE STEERING MOTOR MARKET

Electric Power Steering is primarily an energy-saving method for cars. It is a relatively new idea that is about to be implemented in vehicles all around the world. It is anticipated to be widely used in a few years, if only to reduce energy consumption in current automobiles.

Additional benefits may include more flexibility in steering system position, tuning of the steering system to meet the demands of a given car or an individual driver, and dependability, all of which are currently lacking in the hydraulic assisted power steering system.

The most recent technology has been the EHPS Motor System based steering technology. The EHPS is made up of two electric motors, each with an electronic control unit, a vane pump, and a customer-specific mounting bracket.

The integrated power electronics concurrently adjusts the speed of the motors in line with the needs of the steering manoeuvre (setpoint setting). Here, the motors rotate in opposing directions. The motors are brushless direct current (BLDC) motors that are permanently excited and consist of a housing, a stator, and a rotor.

All driver assistance capabilities and autonomous driving are supported by the EPS's new modularly constructed steering control unit (control unit with an electric motor). When employing multiple steering control unit versions within a vehicle series, the scalable and modular architecture provides for maximum flexibility. The steering control unit is also available in a highly integrated form, with communication options including CAN-Bus, CAN-FD, and Flexray.

As a result, the redesigned steering control unit is suitable for applications at all SAE levels. The steering is secured against cyber assaults in all models owing to the Bosch Security Concept. "Over-the-air" technology is used to provide functions and upgrades.

A rack and pinion system was used to drive a car in the correct direction in earlier times, before there was any kind of driving aid. Then came hydraulically assisted steering, which was introduced by Chrysler and quickly took over the vehicle industry.

This type of technology makes use of a hydraulic pump that is driven by an engine belt.The hydraulic fluid, which is pressurised through the action of the belt, moves a power ram. Depending on the steering input, a control valve determines how much hydraulic pressure is required to move the wheels in either direction.

The hydraulics increase the force being given to the steering rack, which lowers the amount of effort required to turn the vehicle.Hydraulic systems certainly have drawbacks, despite the fact that they are still widely used and nearly faultless. The use of hydraulic assistance is viewed as a parasitic loss because the pump is technically powered by the engine.

This implies that a tiny amount of engine power is lost to power the pump, lowering the powertrain's overall efficiency. These days, drivers of performance automobiles must be able to choose from a variety of settings, and the majority of those modes incorporate steering-wheel adjustments.

Since the hydraulic fluid being pumped through the system will have a fixed viscosity (how freely a fluid flows), some other type of limitation must be applied because this is not practical for hydraulics.

AUTOMOTIVE STEERING MOTOR MARKET NEW ACQUISITION

The Bosch Group has finalised the acquisition of ZF Friedrichshafen AG's 50% stake in the ZF Lenksysteme GmbH joint venture (ZFLS). The deal has been approved by antitrust authorities.

This implies Bosch now owns 100% of the previously 50:50 joint venture. Robert Bosch Automotive Steering GmbH will be absorbed into the Bosch Group as a new division.

The new name was decided by a vote among ZFLS associates.The company creates, manufactures, and distributes steering systems for cars and trucks all around the world.

The corporation operates in the world's most major automotive markets, including Europe, the United States, China, India, Brazil, and Malaysia. ZFLS is a major manufacturer of advanced electric steering systems that save gasoline.

Automatic evasive steering support in crucial situations, the lane-keeping aid, and the start-stop coasting function, in which the engine turns off while coasting, all require electric steering systems. For the increasing electric car industry, ZFLS also offers adequate, systems-capable electric steering systems.

Electric steering is becoming more common in commercial vehicles.Customers of Bosch will benefit from the expanded product line, which now includes steering systems.The networking of components into software-controlled entire systems is a major emphasis of ZFLS' R&D activities.

AUTOMOTIVE STEERING MOTOR MARKET LATEST TRENDS

In order to lessen its reliance on China for graphite, analysts believe that Tesla is turning to Mozambique for a crucial component in its electric car batteries.The firm and Syrah Resources, an Australian company that runs one of the biggest graphite mines in the world in southern Africa, struck an agreement last month.

It's a one-of-a-kind collaboration between a company that makes electric vehicles and one that mines the material used in lithium-ion batteries. The deal's value hasn't been disclosed.

The company's processing facility in Vidalia, Louisiana, which receives graphite from its mine in Balama, Mozambique, will sell the material to Tesla. According to the deal, the Austin, Texas-based manufacturer of electric vehicles intends to purchase up to 80% of the 8,000 tonnes of graphite produced annually by the plant.

To satisfy Tesla, the material must pass Syrah's scrutiny.According to Simon Moores of Benchmark Mineral Intelligence, a British company that offers battery materials data and intelligence, the deal is a part of Tesla's strategy to increase its capacity to produce its own batteries in order to lessen its reliance on China, which controls the majority of the world's graphite markets.

AUTOMOTIVE STEERING MOTOR MARKET NEW PRODUCT LAUNCH

With the advent of a 48-volt Integrated Belt-Driven Starter Generator (iBSG), Nexteer Automotive introduces a new eDrive product line that hybridises conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) automobiles. Nexteer's cost-effective, creative method assists OEMs in meeting emissions and fuel economy criteria while also improving driving comfort for end users.

The launch of Nexteer's eDrive product line brings together decades of experience and technological competence from current product lines such as EPS and Driveline. The Company used its expertise in motors, controls, software, and electromechanical systems integration to build its new 48-volt iBSG eDrive product.

Nexteer used its quality production methods, scalable supply chain, and worldwide footprint of technical centres and manufacturing facilities in addition to combining technical experience from existing product lines.

Nexteer's expertise in power electronics, advanced software, and controls for Electric Power Steering systems, as well as Nexteer's inventions and knowledge from more than 60 years of producing Driveline solutions, go into this unique, cost-effective approach to eDrive.

Nexteer has signed a contract with a top Chinese domestic OEM for production of its 48-volt iBSG eDrive product. This launch lays the groundwork and serves as an entrance point for the Company's future research of new eDrive applications and client growth.

AUTOMOTIVE STEERING MOTOR MARKETPRODUCT DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION

Servotronic, a cutting-edge vehicle steering technology, has completely changed how millions of drivers across the world perceive driving. The cutting edge of power steering systems, Servotronic was created by Bosch, a world authority in automotive technology, and it provides improved control, comfort, and safety on the road.

Servotronic is now a regular feature in many car models from various manufacturers thanks to its clever design and accurate reactivity. Servotronic is a power steering system that adjusts the steering assistance in accordance with the vehicle's speed.

It is fundamentally electromechanical. By using an electric motor instead of a standard hydraulic one, Servotronic power steering systems may adjust the amount of help they give the driver according to the road's circumstances at any given time.

Driving is more intuitive and pleasant as a result of this dynamic feature's seamless and natural steering feel. The steering motor, which is a crucial component of the entire arrangement, is the brain of the Servotronic system.

The design of this motor prioritizes effectiveness, accuracy, and dependability. Bosch has developed a small, light-weight motor that can give constant performance while minimizing energy use using cutting-edge technology and engineering know-how.

With this design, the vehicle uses less gasoline overall and emits less emissions, which helps to protect the environment. One of Servotronic's main advantages is its ability to adjust to different speeds. When moving slowly, like when parking or maneuvering in small places, the steering assistance is maximized to provide effortless handling with the least amount of effort from the driver.

Driver weariness is significantly reduced by this feature when driving in cities, especially during periods of heavy traffic. Servotronic adjusts the steering assistance as the vehicle's speed rises to provide the driver a more direct and in-control sense, improving stability and control on freeways and open roads. No of the road conditions, a seamless transition between low- and high-speed assistance guarantees a comfortable driving experience.

Drivers have confidence and security as the steering reaction is accurate and predictable whether negotiating tight turns or traveling down straightaways. Together with these technologies, Servotronic helps drivers stay clear of hazardous obstacles and keep a safe distance from other cars, lowering the chance of collisions and enhancing general road safety.

The technology used by Servotronic goes beyond typical passenger vehicles. It has also been included into trucks and buses, which are commercial vehicles that require precise and quick steering to handle heavier loads and keep the driver comfortable on lengthy trips. In comparison to conventional hydraulic systems, Servotronic's electric power steering system has higher dependability and lower maintenance costs.

The overall servicing requirements are decreased because there are fewer moving components and no hydraulic fluids to refill, which helps vehicle owners save time and money.

Servotronic continues to be at the cutting edge of steering innovation as automotive technology develops further. To further improve the driving experience, Bosch continuously improves and advances this technology, using the most recent developments in artificial intelligence, sensor technology, and networking.

Servotronic has raised the bar for car steering and now provides drivers with unmatched control, comfort, and safety. It distinguishes itself as cutting-edge steering technology thanks to its adaptive and intelligent design and easy connection with other driver aid systems. 

AUTOMOTIVE STEERING MOTOR MARKETCOMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Tires are the heart and soul to operational mechanism of the EV at all times throughout its life that contributes to being the least expensive conglomerate part onboard the vehicle.

The EVs tyres need to be technologically advanced and better modified through various requirements being fulfilled at all times. the additional weight of any batteries and electric motor is offset by increasing the load-bearing capacity of the tire carcass, as indicated on most tires by an XL symbol on the sidewall. Energy losses due to tires are of particular concern to EV manufacturers. With rolling resistance accounting for up to 20% of a vehicle’s energy consumption.

Robert Bosch has been developing new technologies which are involved in development of new steering motor and steering system technologies. The Bosch EPS variants meet the requirements for small, mid-range, sports cars as well as light commercial vehicles.

The EPS has an electric motor which controls the vehicle steering. With an electric motor the EPS controls and assists vehicle steering and provides an optimal and enjoying steering feel. Additionally, the new generation of control units provide security in case of an error. The electric interface enables highly automated driving with maximum security till SAE-Level 4.

The EPS controls and assists with the support of an intelligent electric motor the vehicle steering. Based on the steering signal from the torque sensor, the control unit calculates the optimal steering support and sends the information to the electric motor to provide the necessary assistance.

Allied Motion is involved in development of the latest technology integrated approach towards better electric steering moto and actuator systems in the market. The Allied Motion EPS series are tiny, fully integrated brushless electric steering actuators designed for use in warehouse trucks (lift trucks, reach trucks, and so on), AGVs/AGCs, and similar vehicles.

The EPS actuator is a full-fledged steering subsystem that includes a brushless motor, gearing, a programmable electronic motor controller, and CAN connectivity. The EPS series comes in three frame sizes and 16 variants to meet almost every electric steering need of the intended applications.