Schaeffler signed a mass production cooperation agreement with Zhijia Technology on advanced steering systems for commercial vehicles

     Autonomous driving has become one of the important trends in the current automotive industry. In this context, during the 2023 Shanghai International Auto Show, Schaeffler Group, a supplier of automotive and industrial products, signed a mass production cooperation agreement with Zhijia Technology, a heavy truck autonomous driving company. The two sides will cooperate in the field of advanced steering systems for intelligent driving commercial vehicles, and jointly promote the technology application and innovative development of intelligent driving for heavy trucks.

     Under the agreement, Schaeffler will develop and produce advanced electro-hydraulic power steering systems (e2HPS) for SmartPlus to meet SmartPlus's autonomous driving requirements on customized or jointly developed models produced by SmartPlus in cooperation with automakers. With this innovative product, Schaeffler will help Zhiplus Technology become the first in the industry to achieve pre-loaded mass production intelligent heavy truck steering by wire control, sensors and full redundancy of computing power.

     "The logistics industry is faced with the challenge of increasing capacity in the face of driver shortages while also meeting emissions regulations," said Madis Zinck, CEO of Schaeffler's automotive technology division. Solving this problem requires a technical approach, and Schaeffler, as an important supplier, has a key role to play. Our innovative chassis technology is committed to making the transportation industry safer, more efficient and more sustainable. The collaboration with SmartPlus is an important step forward for us in this field."

     Schaeffler Electric Hydraulic Power Steering System (e2HPS) is an innovative solution developed for front wheel steering of commercial vehicles. The system consists of hydraulic steering gear and intelligent drive module. Schaeffler is responsible for the development of intelligent drive module and the integration of the whole system. Schaeffler intelligent drive module meets the ISO 26262 highest grade ASIL-D functional safety requirements to achieve failure availability.

     The drive module applies extra steering torque to the steering parts by means of electronic signals, thus realizing the intervention of the steering system. Schaeffler's electro-hydraulic power steering system enhances driving safety and comfort with full steering-by-wire capabilities for Level 2 and above autonomous driving applications. The product is expected to be mass-produced at Schaeffler Xiangtan manufacturing base in 2023.