What is active suspension?
While most traditional vehicles use passive suspension, which relies on large springs to dampen the vertical movements caused by uneven surfaces, a number of EVs have moved toward active suspension integration.
Here are some of the key differences:
Passive suspension is a system of fixed characteristics: when you drive over an uneven surface, it tries to absorb the shock. However, large potholes and bumps create excessive wear and tear on your vehicle, because the passive suspension system provides cushioning instead of actively trying to control the situation.
Active suspension, on the other hand, uses sensors on the wheels and throughout the body to detect changes in the road surface. It delivers that data to the electronic control unit (ECU), which interprets and adjusts the suspension to provide the right amount of give and resistance.
A passive suspension system is like jumping on a trampoline. When you first push off, the trampoline gives a little and then pushes you up. The more you jump, the higher you can go. If you jump too much, you can lose control.
An active suspension system, by comparison, is like surfing, where you adjust your legs and balance to match the wave as it rushes to shore.
Active suspension comes in two configurations:
True active suspensions use actuators to raise and lower the chassis at each wheel and keep the chassis parallel to the road when turning.
Adaptive or semi-active suspensions use electronic valves that react to individual bumps in the road to make dampening changes in milliseconds, sometimes varying shock absorber firmness to match the changing conditions.
Active suspension parts
Active suspension uses several components that differ from traditional suspension systems. It has three key components.
Sensors monitor vehicle dynamics and assess road conditions in real-time.
The electronic control unit (ECU) processes the sensor data and calculates optimal suspension settings.
Actuators adjust damping forces as well as vehicle height based on ECU’s calculations.
Why is active suspension important in EVs?
For starters, active suspension considers and counteracts the effects of battery weight distribution on an EV. By adjusting to these changes in weight distribution, safety increases with vehicle stability. An EV’s lower centre of gravity is therefore better managed in vehicles using active suspension.
Aside from safety, active suspension enhances ride quality by adapting to road conditions in a matter of milliseconds, stiffening actuator springs to respond nearly instantaneously.
Another primary advantage is the improved energy efficiency integrated active suspension systems provide. They reduce unnecessary motion, minimizing rolling resistance and supporting the conservation of battery power in EVs.
Why is active suspension important to the EV market?
The enhancement of ride quality is a key selling point for EVs. By adapting to the irregularities of the road, active suspension attracts many luxury and high-performance brands. As automakers continue to compete on efficiency and ride quality, active suspension will become a strong leverage point that sets models apart in an increasingly competitive market.
As autonomous driving features advance, suspension technology is likely to play a key role in the optimization of self-driving vehicles. Active suspension is increasingly appearing as a necessity for market leaders looking to differentiate their models rather than simply offering an enhancement.
If you have any questions about how an active suspension system may affect your time behind the wheel, chat with a knowledgeable technician at your nearest NexDrive service centre.
Wondering why active suspension is a hot topic in the EV market? Learn the details with this guide.
Wondering why active suspension is a hot topic in the EV market? Learn the details with this guide.
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