India’s EV Market Growth and Outlook
India’s electric vehicle (EV) industry is expanding rapidly, driven by the FAME II policy, state-level incentives, and increasing urbanization. According to the Government of India’s NITI Aayog report (2024), EV sales have surged from around 50,000 units in 2016 to over 2.08 million units in 2024, marking significant growth over the past eight years.
(Source: NITI Aayog – Electric Vehicles in India Report, 2024)
Furthermore, the Press Information Bureau (PIB) and Invest India highlight that India’s EV market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 49% during the 2022–2030 period, supported by strong government incentives and rising adoption of electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and passenger vehicles, as highlighted in the April 2024 PIB report.
(Source: PIB – India EV Digest 2023)
With this momentum, India’s EV ecosystem is expected to reach multi-million annual sales by 2030, positioning the country as one of the world’s fastest-growing markets for electric mobility.
OEM Demand: Lightweight and Low-Power Steering Solutions
Electric Power Steering (EPS) replaces traditional hydraulic systems with an electric motor and electronic control unit, which add advanced features and integration capabilities.
For EV manufacturers, EPS offers significant advantages:
- Reduced energy consumption — no constant hydraulic pump load; improves driving range.
- Compact and lightweight — ideal for small EV platforms.
- Enhanced controllability — EPS systems assist the driver by providing variable steering assistance based on driving conditions and are compatible with ADAS and autonomous driving functions.
- Easier calibration and customization — adaptable to different vehicle types and driving feel preferences.
- EPS systems have assisted drivers by reducing steering effort, especially in urban environments.
Indian OEMs are increasingly demanding modular, scalable EPS systems that can be tailored to local road conditions, compact vehicle designs, and cost-sensitive markets. These systems reduce the need for hydraulic fluids and pumps, simplifying maintenance. EPS systems also provide tailored solutions for different vehicle segments.
The features provided by EPS systems are especially valuable for India’s diverse automotive market.
Electric Power Steering System Design
The design of an electric power steering (EPS) system is fundamental to the performance, safety, and efficiency of today’s vehicles, especially as the automotive industry shifts toward electric mobility. At its core, the EPS system replaces traditional hydraulic mechanisms with an advanced electric motor, seamlessly integrated with a torque sensor and electronic control unit. This combination enables precise steering assistance, tailored to the driver’s input and real-time driving conditions.
Central to the EPS system is the torque sensor, typically positioned within the steering column. This sensor continuously monitors the force applied by the driver to the steering wheel, transmitting data to the control unit. The control unit then calculates the optimal level of steering assistance required and commands the electric motor to deliver the necessary support. This process ensures that the steering response is both immediate and adaptive, enhancing the overall driving experience.
EPS system design can vary significantly depending on the type and class of vehicle. For instance, some systems employ a direct drive configuration, where the electric motor is directly linked to the steering gear, providing immediate torque transfer. Others utilize belt-driven or gear-driven mechanisms, which can be advantageous for heavier vehicles or those requiring higher levels of steering assistance. The choice of design is influenced by factors such as vehicle weight, speed requirements, and the desired steering feel.
One of the standout features of EPS systems is their ability to offer speed-sensitive steering assistance. At low speeds—such as during parking or navigating tight urban spaces—the system provides increased assistance, making it effortless for the driver to maneuver the vehicle. Conversely, at high speeds, the level of assistance is reduced, giving the driver greater control and stability, which is crucial for safety on highways and open roads.
Modern EPS systems are also equipped with advanced safety features. By leveraging data from the torque sensor and other vehicle sensors, EPS can support electronic stability control and lane departure warning systems. These features actively monitor driving conditions and can intervene with corrective steering assistance if they detect a potential loss of control or unintended lane departure, thereby enhancing vehicle safety.
From a maintenance perspective, EPS systems offer significant advantages over traditional power steering. Since they operate only when steering assistance is needed, rather than running continuously, they are more energy-efficient and contribute to reduced vehicle emissions. Additionally, the absence of hydraulic fluids and fewer moving parts translates to lower maintenance requirements and improved long-term reliability.
Security and error protection are also integral to EPS system design. Advanced software algorithms, redundant hardware, and fail-safe mechanisms are implemented to ensure that the system operates reliably under all conditions. These measures protect against potential faults and ensure that steering assistance is always available when needed, providing peace of mind for both drivers and manufacturers.
Beyond passenger vehicles, EPS systems are increasingly being adopted in commercial vehicles, buses, trucks, and specialized electric and hybrid vehicles. Their ability to deliver tailored steering assistance, improve safety, and reduce maintenance makes them a versatile solution across a wide range of automotive applications.
As the automotive industry continues to innovate, the role of EPS systems will only grow in importance. Their contribution to vehicle safety, performance, and efficiency positions them as a cornerstone of modern vehicle design. For more information on electric power steering systems, their features, and the latest advancements, visit our website or click here to access detailed resources, press releases, and technical case studies.
In summary, the design of EPS systems is a sophisticated field that blends mechanical engineering, electronics, and software development. By providing advanced steering assistance, enhancing safety, and reducing maintenance, EPS systems are essential for the next generation of vehicles—delivering tangible benefits to drivers, manufacturers, and the broader automotive industry.
EPS vs. Traditional Hydraulic Steering Column
| Feature | Hydraulic Steering | Electric Power Steering (EPS / C-EPS) |
|---|---|---|
| Power Source | Engine-driven pump | Electric motor & ECU |
| Energy Efficiency | Constant parasitic loss | Power on demand |
| Maintenance | Fluid leaks, frequent service | Low maintenance |
| Integration with ADAS | Limited | Fully compatible |
| Weight | Heavier | Lighter |
| Suitability for EVs | Poor | Ideal |
| Availability | Often optional, especially in older models | Increasingly standard in EVs |
The comparison clearly demonstrates that EPS is essential for EV platforms, where efficiency, range, and integration with advanced electronics are key. EPS also reduces the strength required by the driver compared to hydraulic systems. Additionally, EPS and hydraulic systems work differently to deliver steering assistance, with EPS relying on electronic controls and motors, while hydraulic systems use fluid pressure.
How XEPS Aligns with India’s Market Needs
As a specialized manufacturer of customized EPS systems, XEPS provides flexible solutions for Indian OEMs — from small passenger EVs to commercial vehicles, with comprehensive support and features provided to ensure seamless integration and performance.
Key strengths include:
- Customized C-EPS designs for compact vehicles and local road conditions.
- High-efficiency brushless motor technology, reducing energy loss and improving steering response.
- Robust control algorithms developed for safety, stability, and comfort, based on advanced software and electronic control units.
- Local support for joint development with Indian OEMs and system integrators.
XEPS’s EPS systems form the basis for advanced steering integration in modern vehicles. These EPS solutions connect the driver to the road for improved safety and performance. The technology ensures precise control of the roadwheels for optimal steering response.
With growing collaborations and technology localization, XEPS is committed to supporting India’s EV revolution by providing cost-effective, energy-efficient, and intelligent steering systems.
About XEPS
Chongqing XEPS Electrical and Mechanical Co., Ltd., starting in 2005, is a professional manufacturer specializing in Electric Power Steering (EPS) systems, motors, controllers, and steering modules for automotive applications.
Since the introduction of their EPS systems to the market, XEPS has relied on extensive R&D, including a study on steering force feedback, to deliver customized, high-performance steering systems trusted by global OEMs. XEPS continues to research advanced technologies such as steer-by-wire systems.
