How Is Rising EV Adoption Affecting B2B Demand for OEM & OES Suspension Components?

Rising EV adoption by consumers is changing B2B demand for OEM and OES suspension components. As EV market share rises, traditional suspension designs need to be modified and upgraded to match the specific needs of EV suspension and steering. OEM & OES suspension component manufacturers who have existing ODM reengineering and OEM expertise are uniquely placed to meet this need.

What is the forecasted impact of EVs on the OEM & OES suspension component market?

The forecasted impact of rising EV adoption by the public will affect B2B demand for OEM and OES suspension components in several significant ways. Not only are more EVs being manufactured and sold, increasing the market size, but the specific needs of EV suspension and steering require reengineering and upgrading of traditional suspension designs. We will see increasing demand for high quality, appropriately engineered suspension components for EVs.

The EV transition will force many ICE component manufacturers to diversify into suspension components

The transition to EVs increases OES and OEM aftermarket suspension component demand as the age of vehicles increases. This comes with a drop in demand for internal combustion engine components, and as market demand drops, combustion engine component manufacturers may diversify into suspension component manufacturing to compensate, but without the experience that is needed to do this successfully.

What are the challenges for EV suspension component manufacturing?

The challenges for EV suspension component manufacturing compared to manufacturing suspension components for internal combustion engine vehicles are caused by changes in torque curves, weight, and weight distribution of EVs compared to non-electric vehicles. The failure of Tesla Model 3 and Tesla Model Y control arms (stress distribution shown in the image above) is an example of how this needs to be addressed in EV suspension design.

• EVs have higher sprung vehicle weight
• Under-floor battery packs lower centre of gravity and change dynamic cornering forces
• Lack of engine noise makes NVH more apparent
• High, immediate torque increases potential shock loadings on suspension components
• In-wheel motors increase unsprung weight

Changes in dynamic forces require heavy duty suspension components

The weight of EV batteries, which increases sprung vehicle weight for passenger vehicles by 25% or more depending on vehicle range, lowers the center of gravity and changes the profile of dynamic forces created by cornering, as well as the direction of acceleration and braking forces. Combined with immediate torque capabilities, this change in dynamic forces acting on the suspension system requires heavier duty components with much greater strength.

In wheel motors affect noise, vibration & harshness characteristics

In-wheel motors change the profile of the vehicle for inertial forces on steering as well as making it more difficult to dampen the harshness of acceleration and deceleration forces. This not only requires special attention to suspension component design but also increases suspension noise and vibration, which becomes more apparent when you take away the higher noise levels created by combustion engines.

How do you choose the right EV suspension component manufacturer?

Choosing the right EV suspension component manufacturer is not as easy as selecting a partnership for OEM & OES manufacturing of suspension components for non-electric vehicles. Changes in dynamic forces, torque, and NVH for electric vehicles cannot be immediately met by using standard components, and require reengineering and redesign as well as high quality manufacturing processes.

SH Auto Parts is an experienced IATF 16949 certified suspension component manufacturer. Our vertically integrated business model includes in-house expert design engineers, rapid prototyping, and exhaustive quality control management. This has enabled us to successfully use our ODM capabilities for EV suspension redesign and makes us an ideal choice for future EV suspension component needs. Contact us to discuss your OEM or OES EV suspension component requirements and discover our capabilities.