Energy only consumed when the wheel turns
As the commercial vehicle industry navigates its long transition toward electrification and automation, Knorr-Bremse has secured a new production contract in the Asia-Pacific region for its electric power steering technology — a system that draws power only when the wheel is actually turned. This on-demand principle, seemingly modest in conception, yields up to 90 percent reductions in steering-related energy consumption, quietly reshaping the economics and environmental footprint of fleets operating at scale. The expansion from Europe into Asia-Pacific signals not merely a business milestone, but a broader reckoning with how foundational vehicle systems must evolve to carry the weight of a cleaner, more autonomous future.
- Commercial vehicle operators face mounting pressure to cut fuel costs and emissions without overhauling their entire fleets — EPS offers a rare solution that works across diesel, gas, and electric powertrains alike.
- Conventional hydraulic steering bleeds energy continuously whether or not the driver is turning the wheel, a quiet inefficiency that compounds into significant waste across large fleets over time.
- Knorr-Bremse's new Asia-Pacific contract, layered atop existing European orders for trucks and buses, signals that the technology is crossing from regional proof-of-concept into global commercial momentum.
- The system's ability to fit existing vehicle architectures without costly redesigns removes one of the industry's most stubborn barriers to adopting new steering technology.
- With automated driving requirements and electrification timelines accelerating, EPS is positioning itself as infrastructure-level technology — not an upgrade, but an eventual standard.
Knorr-Bremse has added a new Asia-Pacific production contract to its growing portfolio for electric power steering in commercial vehicles, a technology built on a deceptively straightforward idea: consume energy only when the driver actually steers. Unlike conventional hydraulic systems, which draw power continuously regardless of steering activity, EPS operates on demand — and the difference is measurable, with energy savings of up to 90 percent compared to traditional systems. For fleet operators, those savings accumulate into meaningfully lower fuel bills and reduced CO2 emissions across thousands of vehicles and miles.
Bernd Spies, who leads Knorr-Bremse's Commercial Vehicle Systems division globally, described the new contract as confirmation of the company's technical direction, noting that EPS serves as a foundational enabler for both electrified mobility and automated driving. The company now holds production orders spanning Europe and Asia, covering trucks and buses alike — a geographic reach that reinforces its standing as a steering innovation leader in the sector.
What distinguishes the system beyond efficiency is its adaptability. EPS can be configured to fit each customer's specific installation requirements, integrating into existing vehicle architectures without forcing expensive production line changes. A built-in Smart Safety concept also removes the need for redundant power sources, trimming costs further. The system preserves multi-axle steering capability and arrives as a fully compliant, ready-to-implement solution — meaning operators gain better performance and lower environmental impact without disrupting the manufacturing processes already in place.
Knorr-Bremse has secured another production contract in the Asia-Pacific region for its electric power steering system, a technology that marks a fundamental shift in how commercial vehicles manage energy consumption. The system works on a simple principle: it draws power only when the driver actually turns the wheel. This on-demand approach stands apart from conventional hydraulic steering, which consumes energy continuously regardless of whether the vehicle is being steered.
The company's electric power steering, known as EPS, delivers measurable efficiency gains. Compared to traditional steering systems, it can reduce energy consumption by as much as 90 percent. For operators of commercial fleets, this translates directly into lower fuel costs and reduced carbon dioxide emissions—benefits that accumulate across thousands of miles and hundreds of vehicles. The system works across different propulsion technologies, whether a truck runs on diesel, natural gas, or electric power, making it adaptable to the industry's ongoing transition.
Bernd Spies, a member of Knorr-Bremse's board and head of the Commercial Vehicle Systems division globally, framed the new contract as validation of the company's technical direction. He noted that the EPS system functions as a key enabler for both electrified mobility and automated driving in commercial vehicles. The company now holds production orders for the technology spanning Europe and Asia, with contracts covering both trucks and buses. This geographic spread reinforces Knorr-Bremse's position as a leader in steering innovation for the commercial vehicle sector.
What makes the EPS particularly attractive to manufacturers is its flexibility. The system can be customized to fit the specific installation space each customer requires, allowing seamless integration into existing vehicle architectures without forcing costly redesigns. This compatibility matters enormously in an industry where retooling production lines carries substantial expense. Additionally, the EPS incorporates what Knorr-Bremse calls a Smart Safety concept that eliminates the need for redundant power sources—another cost reduction for customers.
The technology also maintains the multi-axle steering capability that some commercial vehicles require, thanks to its hydraulic operating principle. This means operators don't sacrifice functionality in pursuit of efficiency. The system meets all regulatory requirements across different markets, arriving as a complete, ready-to-implement solution rather than a component requiring additional engineering work. For a company managing a fleet of commercial vehicles, the appeal is straightforward: better steering performance, lower operating costs, and reduced environmental impact, all without disrupting existing manufacturing processes or vehicle designs.
Notable Quotes
Our EPS system is one of the primary drivers of electric mobility and automated driving in commercial vehicles. This new order demonstrates that our innovations play a decisive role in shaping the future of mobility.— Bernd Spies, Board Member and Global Head of Commercial Vehicle Systems, Knorr-Bremse AG
The Hearth Conversation Another angle on the story
Why does it matter that this system only consumes power when you're actually steering?
Because a conventional hydraulic system runs continuously—the pump is always working, always drawing fuel, even when the truck is driving straight down the highway. With EPS, that pump only activates when you need it. Over thousands of miles, that's a massive difference in fuel burned.
And the 90 percent efficiency gain—is that realistic, or marketing language?
It's real, but it's comparing apples to apples: EPS versus traditional hydraulic steering in the same vehicle class. The gap is that large because hydraulic systems are inherently wasteful by design. They're also proven technology, which is why they've dominated for decades.
Why is Asia-Pacific important for Knorr-Bremse right now?
That region is where commercial vehicle production is exploding. If you want to shape the future of truck steering, you need orders there. Europe is already moving toward electrification; Asia is the growth market.
Does this help with autonomous trucks?
Indirectly. Automated driving systems need precise, responsive steering control. EPS gives you that precision and the energy efficiency to support the extra computing power autonomous systems require. It's not a direct enabler, but it removes friction.
What's the catch for manufacturers adopting this?
The main one is that they have to trust a new supplier and new technology. Hydraulic steering is familiar. But if Knorr-Bremse can prove reliability in Asia-Pacific the way they have in Europe, that hesitation fades.