Energies, Vol. 11, Pages 247: Reducing Energy Demand Using Wheel-Individual Electric Drives to Substitute EPS-Systems (Energies)

The energy demand of vehicles is influenced, not only by the drive systems, but also by a number of add-on systems. Electric vehicles must satisfy this energy demand completely from the battery. Hence, the use of power steering systems directly result in a range reduction. The `e2-Lenk` joint project funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) involves a novel steering concept for electric vehicles to integrate the function of steering assistance into the drive-train. Specific distribution of driving torque at the steered axle allows the steering wheel torque to be influenced to support the steering force. This provides a potential for complete substitution of conventional power steering systems and reduces the vehicle`s energy demand. This paper shows the potential of wheel-individual drives influencing the driver`s steering torque using a control technique based on classical EPS control plans. Compared to conventional power-assisted steering systems, a reduced energy demand becomes evident over a wide range of operating conditions.