Cascade Drives' new HD power steering replaces old hydraulic tech

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Cascade Drives new electric steering system
Cascade Drives CEO claims this new electric steering system designed for Class 4-8 commercial vehicles can replace older hydraulic systems.
Cascade Drives

Cascade Drives, a Swedish manufacturer specializing in heavy-duty vehicle applications and technologies, revealed its new electric power steering assist system for commercial vehicles last month at IAA Transportation in Hannover, Germany. 

Speaking to Clean Trucking, CEO Kristian Floresjo claims the system, called TruEPS, is an industry "game changer" because it's been designed to replace older hydraulic servo systems and also provides a better way to perform single- and multi-axle steering in electric Class 4 and higher commercial vehicles.

"The system can normally replace existing steering systems as a drop-in. The reason for replacing an existing hydraulic system could be controllability requirements as well as functional safety, such as redundance requirements, when moving towards automated driving." 

TruEPS is a powerful and robust electromechanical system that's also compact, efficient, fast, and accurate. Floresjo also points out that it doesn't suffer from degradation due to wear from shock-loading. Both front and rear steering systems are fully by wire and provides a flexible installation layout to accommodate both drag link replacement and center mounted setups. 

At IAA, Cascade demonstrated the system on an independent front suspension axle provided by Italian Tier 1 supplier BRIST. 

β€œIt’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,” said Floresjo.  

The CEO could not disclose which OEMs his company is working to finalize sales deals with, only saying that "our customers are OEMs within airport ground handling, terminal tractors, people movers, buses, autonomous trucks, etc." 

At present, the system is still undergoing the homologation process in both the US and EU. Floresjo is confident it will be ready to go by year's end, and order are currently being accepted. Pricing details were not provided. 

Jay Traugott has covered the automotive and transportation sector for over a decade and now serves as Senior Editor for Clean Trucking. He holds a drifting license and has driven on some of the world's best race tracks, including the Nurburgring and Spa. He lives near Boulder, Colorado, and spends his free time snowboarding, climbing, and hiking. He can be reached atΒ [email protected].

Hydrogen Fuel Cell & BEV Survey
The following survey was sent as a link in an email cover message in February 2023 to the newsletter lists for Overdrive and CCJ. After approximately two weeks, a total of 176 owner-operators under their own authority, 113 owner-operators leased or assigned to a carrier and 82 fleet executives and 36 fleet employees from fleets with 10 or more power units had completed and submitted the questionnaire for a total of 407 qualified responses. Cross-tabulations based on respondent type are provided for each question when applicable.
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