Power steering pump for steering system

25.06.2025

RUBRUKS continues to expand its range of high-tech solutions for electric transport and special equipment. The latest development, the RUBRUKS ESPI-HV-185-16 electric power steering pump with inverter, is the result of integrating its own engineering expertise and domestic component base.

Modern tasks and challenges

Traditional hydraulic power steering systems (HPS), driven by internal combustion engines, are gradually becoming a thing of the past. Electric and hybrid vehicles require a more efficient, energy-optimized, and intelligently controlled system. The RUBRUKS ESPI-HV-185-16 electric pump solves these challenges by offering a compact and adaptive unit that operates only when required by the driver or vehicle control system.

Technical implementation

With a flow rate of 16 L/min and an operating pressure of 18.5 MPa, the device ensures stable operation of the steering system even under extreme loads. The electric pump is equipped with:

brushless motor

with a working voltage of up to 600 V

built-in inverter

with CAN bus control or discrete signals

soft-start mode

and a low-temperature heating function

security systems

From overheating and overload

Areas of application

Электронасос ГУР с инвертором RUBRUKS ESPI-HV-185-16

Power steering pump with inverter RUBRUKS ESPI-HV-185-16

SKU: ESPI-HV-185-16

Available on backorder

Performance, L/min16

Minimum pressure, bar4

Maximum pressure, MPa18,5

Supply voltage, V600

Maximum current, A18

The ESPI-HV-185-16 electric pump is used in:

electric cars – as part of the steering system of passenger and commercial models, where high reliability with minimal energy loss is required;
hybrid cars – for independent operation of the hydraulic power steering, independent of the internal combustion engine operation;
agricultural machinery – for tractors, harvesters, and self-propelled machines where steering stability is important during long operating cycles;
heavy equipment and all-terrain vehicles – where the steering system must maintain functionality in harsh climatic and road conditions;
On water transport – where the hydraulic steering system requires electrical independence and reliability.

System integration

The power steering pump does not operate in isolation, but is part of the vehicle's steering system. Depending on the design and intended use, it can be equipped with:

hydraulic distributors and valves - for controlling the flow of working fluid,
with reservoirs and filters – to maintain the cleanliness and stability of the hydraulic system,
with pressure and temperature sensors – for integration into electronic control systems,
electronic control unit (ECU) – for communication with the central transport control system.

If necessary, the electric pump can be integrated with other auxiliary electromechanical system components, including electric compressors, coolant pump drives, and power distribution modules.

Why is this important for electric and hybrid cars

For electric vehicles, using a classic belt drive from an internal combustion engine is impossible – there's simply no internal combustion engine itself. An electric pump solves this problem, providing full hydraulic steering control with minimal energy consumption.

For hybrid vehicles, a key factor is the independence of the power steering operation from the internal combustion engine. Even when the engine is off (e.g., when driving on electric power), the steering system remains fully functional, ensuring the driver's safety and comfort.

Future development direction

RUBRUKS development is focused not only on today's tasks but also on the future. ESPI-HV-185-16 Electric Pump can become a basic element for intelligent steering systems, including steer-by-wire, and can also be used in autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles where the accuracy and predictability of all subsystems are critical.

The modern transportation technology market is confidently moving towards the electrification and intelligence of control systems. Electric power steering (EPS) pumps are becoming a crucial part of this transformation. While just 10–15 years ago, classic hydraulic power steering driven by an internal combustion engine was the standard in most vehicles, today the global automotive industry is actively implementing electric and electro-hydraulic steering systems.

Mass transition from mechanical and hydraulic systems to electric power steering and electric pumps.
Emphasis on energy efficiency, which is particularly important for electric vehicles with limited range.
Using the CAN Bus and J1939 Protocol as a Global Standard for Integration into Vehicle Electronic Systems.
Increased demand for components with a high degree of protection (IP67, IP69K) for operation in harsh environments.

Widespread adoption of steer-by-wire systems, where the connection between the steering wheel and the wheels is entirely electronic, and electric pumps become part of backup circuits.
The emergence of adaptive pumps with predictive control, which will operate based on the analysis of road conditions, driving style, and autonomous driving algorithms.
Active integration of electric pumps into integrated electric drive modules, where electric compressors, cooling pumps, and power distribution units operate together with the pumps.
Growth in the heavy commercial vehicle and agricultural machinery segment, where high reliability and durability are required under extreme loads.
Development of domestic and regional manufacturers (including RUBROOKS) as an alternative to imported brands, considering the trend towards import substitution and reducing dependence on global supply chains.

Thus, the RUBRUKS ESPI-HV-185-16 electric power steering pump is not only a solution for modern electric transport challenges, but also a platform that will be in demand in the coming years, when the automotive industry finally transitions to smart, energy-efficient, and fully digital steering control systems.