Battery swapping technology debuted at IAA Transportation
Trailer Dynamics revealed its eTrailer prototype at IAA Transportation
News - Commercial Motor
September 16, 2024
The Swedish company Cascade Drives launched its new TruEPS steering system for electric commercial vehicles at IAA Transportation. The new system is built around Cascade’s electro-mechanical actuators and is designed to replace hydraulic servo systems. It can execute single- and multi-axle steering in electric commercial vehicles. TruEPS was showcased with ASIL-D qualified electronics and controls from a renowned Tier 1 within commercial vehicle steering systems.
Kristian Floresjö, CEO at Cascade Drives, said: “It’s truly commendable that a Tier 1 player has chosen to showcase a solution with our electric power steering incorporated into the project. That does not only reduce environmental footprint but also enhances efficiency and steering precision.”
Replacing hydraulic power steering systems, the electromechanical system is designed to be compact, efficient, fast and accurate. Typically EPS solutions can suffer degradation due to wear from shock-loading but this is not something Cascade Drive's system is affected by.
The company demonstrated both front and rear steering solutions in full by wire mode. These solutions are suited to class 6 to 10 trucks and capable for level 4 use cases. The front steering solution was shown on an independent front suspension axle from Italian BRIST. The system’s design lends itself to a flexible installation layout to accommodate drag link replacement and centre mounting.
Founded in 2014, Cascade Drives was established following the invention of cascade gearbox technology for wave power drivetrains. The drive solution converts linear to rotating motion using a specific type of actuator which has a motor instead of a generator on the gearbox shaft. The company was set up to commercialise the linear actuators to enable the electrification of industrial applications.
Alongside actuators for industrial and material handling applications, Cascade Drive produces steer-by-wire electric steering systems for heavy vehicles. The TruEPS weighs 40kg and is a similar size to a traditional steering gearbox.
