Method and system for controlling electro hydraulic power steering pump for power steering system of an electric vehicle

A method for controlling an electro hydraulic power steering pump of an electro hydraulic power steering system of an electric vehicle including an electronic processor, the method comprising

• determining closing of battery contactors;
• providing a driving direction signal with a driving direction indicator indicating when the electric vehicle is in drive or reverse;
• activating the electro hydraulic power steering pump for the electro hydraulic power steering system whereby a vehicle user is capable of changing a direction of steered wheels of the electric vehicle when the battery contactors are closed and the electric vehicle is in drive or reverse;
• determining when the electric vehicle is not in one of drive and reverse, or that the battery contactors are open with the electronic processor;
• and
• deactivating the electro hydraulic power steering pump when the electric vehicle is not in either of reverse or drive, and/or when the battery contactors are open.

An electric vehicle comprising:

• an electric vehicle battery;
• contactors provided between the electric vehicle battery and an electro hydraulic power steering pump;
• a driving direction indicator for providing signals for a shift position of a driving selector;
• an electro hydraulic power steering pump for assisting in movement of a steering wheel;
• a communication bus connected to a vehicle electronic controller, the vehicle electronic controller including an electronic processor and a memory, wherein the electronic processor is configured to:
• receive a closed or open position for battery contactors from a contactor controller over the communication bus;
• receive a driving direction signal for the electric vehicle from the driving direction indicator over the communication bus;
• determine when the battery contactors are closed and when the driving direction signal is drive or reverse for the electric vehicle;
• provide an activation signal to operate the electro hydraulic power steering pump when the battery contactors are closed and the driving direction signal is for one of drive and reverse, wherein a vehicle user is capable of changing a direction of steered wheels of the electric vehicle;
• determine when the electric vehicle is not in drive or reverse;
• determine whether the battery contactors are open;
• and
• provide a deactivation signal to the electro hydraulic power steering pump of the electric vehicle when the electric vehicle is not in either of drive and reverse, and/or when the battery contactors are open.