EPN Automotive Electronics Blog

The charging net

While finding a place where to charge an electric car can still be quite a challenge, Bosch Software Innovations already aims at the next level of infrastructure: A comprehensive open business platform for eMobility.

ABS for two wheels

In 2008, the number of motorcyclists involved in fatal accidents in the European Union amounted to 5520 – 14% of all road deaths. Since the introduction and standardization of ABS has lowered

Not for rainy days

The usual thick smog might obscure the common Californian sunshine in Los Angeles but in late October that region is still a good place for a solar power trade show. Visitors may even take bicycle ride along Venice Beach - and this doesn’t even have to be exhausting.

Compact cars stay on track

In 2009, the number of newly registered vehicles in Europe equipped with the electronic stability control program ESP/ESC rose from 55% to 60%. An evaluation of the new figures by Bosch shows that this was above all due to considerable growth in the compact car segment.

Vélosolex revisited

After decades of virtual non-existence, the bicycle with auxiliary engine seems to come back. Of course, the old, stinking two-stroke engines with friction wheel remain obsolete, electric drives are the fashion of the day.

Steering Power

A new torque sensor which Bosch calles TSS (torque sensor steering) has been developed specifically for electric power steering. It measures the steering force exerted by the driver. Based on the measured values, an electronic control unit determines how much steering support the electric servo motor needs to deliver – adapted to the condition of the road surface and vehicle speed.

Bosch hit hard by economic crisis

With sales about 16 % below their previous-year level, the global recession also had a strong impact on the development of the Bosch Group. Preliminary figures show that the company will close the fiscal year 2009 with a loss between 3% and 4% of sales.