Schaeffler Group to develop advanced steering system for Plus

Shanghai (Gasgoo)- Major German auto parts supplier Schaeffler Group signed a mass production cooperation agreement with autonomous heavy-duty truck developer Plus in the field of advanced steering system. 

Photo credit: Schaeffler

Per the agreement, Schaeffler will develop and produce advanced electro-hydraulic power steering systems (e2HPS) that meet the requirements of Plus' autonomous driving systems. These systems will be installed on customized or jointly developed vehicle models produced in collaboration with automobile manufacturers. 

With this innovative product, Schaeffler will help Plus become the first in the industry to achieve factory installation of redundant control-by-wire steering, sensors, and computing power for its mass-produced intelligent heavy-duty trucks. 

Schaeffler’s e2HPS is an innovative solution developed for front-wheel steering in commercial vehicles. The system consists of a hydraulic steering gear and an intelligent driving module, with Schaeffler responsible for developing the intelligent driving module and integrating the entire system. The Schaeffler intelligent driving module meets the highest level of functional safety requirements, ASIL-D, according to ISO 26262, and has the ability to function even in the event of failure.

The driving module applies additional torque to the steering components through electronic signals, thereby intervening in the steering system. The e2HPS enhances driving safety and comfort, while also providing complete control-by-wire steering functionality that meets L2 and higher levels of autonomous driving applications. The product is expected to enter mass production at Schaeffler's Xiangtan manufacturing base in 2023.