With the Paris Agreement in place to combat climate change globally, many industries must adapt and innovate to reduce emissions output while maintaining profitability. For the automotive industry the concept of “zero-emission cars” was initiated. These vehicles are ones which do not emit fuel exhaust or other pollutants from the onboard source of power. While many car manufacturers hesitated in the beginning, the mission to reduce CO2 emissions is leading to a steady electrification of the car manufacturers’ model range offerings. In this article, Arnott will explain the impact of the increased adoption of Electric Vehicles (EVs) on air suspension technology.
Differences and similarities
The most obvious difference between a vehicle with an internal combustion engine (ICE) and an electrical vehicle (EV) is that an ICE ignites and combusts fuel (spark-ignited for gasoline engines or compression-ignited for diesel engines) while an EV uses a battery powered electric motor for propulsion. This difference in powertrain impacts the vehicle in several areas, for example there are fewer moving parts in an EV because of the electric motor, no exhaust pipe, or Diesel Particle Filter (DPF’s), etc.
Although EVs are generally heavier and have a lower point of gravity than ICE vehicles, the suspension system of EVs did not undergo dramatic changes. In reality, the conventional coil strut and spring/shock absorber set-up, or air suspension set-up (whether or not accompanied with adaptive damping technology) looks very similar to the set-up used in the ICE vehicles. Nevertheless, different set-ups and technologies are still platform-specific meaning shocks are tuned to optimize for trim level, have different damping curves/shock settings, etc. just like ICE vehicles.
From a practical standpoint, due to the similar suspension set up, a mechanic can repair and replace suspension system components of an EV as easily as on an ICE vehicle. No additional EV specific special tools or training are required since the suspension is not part of the high voltage system.
Benefits of air suspension specifically for electric vehicles
One of the unique characteristics of electric vehicles is their increased weight and alternative weight distribution within the vehicle caused by battery packs, the position of the traction motors, etc. Air suspension technologies have commonly been used in ICE vehicles to combat load differences and to optimize the ride and handling in varying driving conditions. The air suspension’s auto-leveling capability is the reason why manufacturers design their EVs with air suspension to obtain the desired ride and handling features while maintaining a high level of comfort for the occupants.
A second challenge for EVs is the travel range, which is affected by the amount of electricity the battery can store and how efficiently it is used. Some factors that have influence on the range are the driving conditions and ambient temperature, eco/sporty driving style, use of electronic systems such as the air conditioning or heating, the total vehicle weight (including the occupants and additional cargo) and the drag. To maximize the travel range capacity, EV manufacturers opt for air suspension because it can contribute to lower energy consumption. Air suspension can lower the vehicle body at high(way) speeds. This decreases the drag coefficient of the vehicle thereby potentially increasing the travel range.
With the increase in electrification of the car park, we will most likely also see an increase in the use of air suspension systems as the EV market takes advantage of the beneficial characteristics of these systems.
For Arnott’s expert team of engineers, developing suspension for EVs is a natural evolution from what we have been doing for decades. With an Arnott-owned test lab, test track and fleet, our engineering and prototype teams can take an idea from a white board to a complete concept, producing prototypes and being able to drive those prototypes on the vehicle. Each design is then independently evaluated by other engineers who will do a similar, independent ride evaluation. This feedback loop continues until the perfect ride is accomplished. With a proven track-record in engineering, designing, and manufacturing high quality air and suspension components for the aftermarket, Arnott is now using its expertise to offer high performance, reliable, and long-lasting suspension solutions for EVs.
