Vibracoustic supplies air spring system for XPeng electric SUV

Weinheim, Germany – Vibracoustic and Chinese electric vehicle maker XPeng have collaborated on the design and manufacture of switchable two-chamber air springs for the new XPeng G9 battery electric vehicle (BEV).

The air spring provides two distinct levels of stiffness, allowing the vehicle to adapt to different loads and road conditions, the German-based components supplier said 24 April.

The product, thereby, enhances ride-comfort by keeping the vehicle “at a constant level, regardless of load,” added the noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) specialist.

The air-spring units can also improve aerodynamics for greater efficiency by lowering the vehicle at higher speeds, according to Vibracoustic.

The system for the large G9 SUV was developed and manufactured at Vibracoustic’s technical centre in Hamburg, Germany, using “an innovative hot gas welding process.”

The process enables weight reductions of the ‘top pot’ by up to 30%, as well as more efficient packaging within the suspension volume, the supplier explained.

Vibracoustic also provided the rear jounce bumpers for the G9, which sit directly on top of the air spring.

Both the jounce bumpers and the air suspension systems are manufactured locally for XPeng at Vibracoustic’s plant in Wuxi, China.