Vibracoustic develops air spring system for ‘premium electric pickup’

Darmstadt, Germany - Vibracoustic has developed a new air spring system for an unnamed premium electric pickup truck, the company has announced.

The components were developed to address NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) challenges specific to electric vehicles, including increased vehicle weight, higher pre-loads, battery range, and noise sensitivity.

Vibracoustic engineers developed a single-chamber air spring system for both front and rear axles, taking into account the size and mass of the vehicle, as well as its 10,000-pound towing capacity.

The technology enables two inches of ride height adjustment in both directions at all four corners, allowing for automatic levelling, trailer attachment, easier loading and unloading, and more comfortable entry and exit.

The system also features jounce bumpers and top-mount isolator elements to further support damping performance on uneven terrain, said the 10 April company release.

According to the German manufacturer, the bumpers help with handling and absorb energy from road irregularities.

Vibracoustic also supplies fluid-filled hydro bushings for the truck’s steering gear system.

These are designed to reduce vibrations transferred from the wheels to the cabin.

The damping fluid adjusts the dynamic behaviour of the bushings, while radial plastic stoppers limit displacement under high loads, making them fit for heavy vehicles.