What year did Honda start using electric steering?

The switch to electric power steering (EPS) began for Honda in the mid-1990s, with early implementations around 1997 and broader adoption by the early 2000s.

Electric power steering uses an electric motor to assist steering rather than relying on a hydraulic pump, allowing for improved fuel efficiency and more tunable steering feel. Honda’s move toward EPS reflected a broader industry shift during that era, as automakers sought lighter, more efficient drivetrains while preserving or enhancing steering feedback. This article traces when Honda began using electric steering and how the technology evolved within the brand.

Timeline of Honda's EPS Adoption

Below is a concise timeline outlining the progression from initial experiments to widespread EPS usage across Honda's lineup.

• Mid- to late-1990s: Honda conducts preliminary experiments and pilot programs with electric power steering as part of a broader efficiency and weight-reduction initiative.


• Late 1990s: First production EPS deployments appear on select Honda models, signaling a shift away from hydraulic systems in portions of the lineup.


• Early 2000s: EPS becomes more common across a broader range of Honda passenger cars and SUVs, replacing hydraulic power steering in many models.


• Mid-2000s onward: EPS is standard across most new Honda vehicles, with ongoing refinements to steering feel and integration with driver-assist systems.

This timeline shows how Honda gradually transitioned from hydraulic to electric steering, culminating in EPS becoming a baseline feature on most models.

Understanding EPS and Honda's Approach

EPS relies on an electric motor to provide steering assist, controlled by steering angle and torque sensors. Honda adopted EPS to improve fuel efficiency by reducing parasitic power losses and to enable more precise tuning of steering feel. Over the years, Honda refined EPS across its lineup and began integrating it with advanced driver-assistance systems, enhancing safety and driver support without sacrificing steering feedback.

Summary

Honda began using electric power steering in the mid- to late-1990s, with early production deployments in the late 1990s and broader adoption by the early 2000s. Since then, EPS has become the norm across most Honda models, continuing to evolve with advances in vehicle dynamics and driver-assistance technologies.

Do Hondas have electric steering?

Electric Power Steering (EPS)
Most modern Hondas—especially hybrids and EVs—use EPS. This system replaces fluid and belts with an electric motor and sensors that adjust assist based on speed and driver input.

Why did Honda discontinue the E?

The Honda e was discontinued due to slow sales driven by a combination of its high price, limited electric range, and poor practicality compared to competitors. Consumers ultimately favored SUVs, and the car's high cost for its limited features made it an uncompetitive offering in the growing EV market.
 

• Low sales: The car sold approximately 12,500 units globally in its three years of production, falling short of its initial sales goals. 
• High price: The base starting price was high for the car's size and limited range, especially as prices increased over time. For example, in Germany, the price rose to nearly €40,000, while rivals offered more range and space for a similar price. 
• Limited range and practicality: The Honda e had a relatively short range (around 138 miles on a full charge) and limited interior and cargo space, which was a disadvantage compared to competing EVs with longer ranges and better practicality. 
• Shift in consumer preference: The market shifted away from small city cars and toward SUVs, which captured more consumer interest. 
• Strategic shift: Honda also decided to focus its resources on future EV development, including a new generation of vehicles, and to concentrate on hybrids, signaling a shift away from the all-electric Honda e. 

Which is better, hydraulic or electric power steering?

Electric power steering (EPS) is generally considered better due to its higher fuel efficiency, reduced maintenance, and ability to integrate with advanced driver-assistance systems. However, hydraulic power steering (HPS) is often favored for its more direct and robust steering feel, which some drivers prefer, and its reliability in high-performance applications.
 
This video explains the differences between hydraulic and electric power steering systems: 47sOBD InsightsYouTube · May 28, 2024
Electric power steering (EPS)
Advantages:

• Improved fuel efficiency: The electric motor only draws power when needed, unlike a hydraulic pump that runs continuously. This can lead to a 3-4% improvement in fuel economy. 
• Lower maintenance: EPS eliminates the need for hydraulic fluid, reducing potential leaks and maintenance checks. 
• Space and weight savings: By removing the hydraulic pump, reservoir, and hoses, EPS systems are lighter and take up less space, which helps manufacturers save weight and space. 
• Integration with technology: The electrical system makes it easier to incorporate features like variable assist, lane-keeping assist, and automatic parking. 
• Easier low-speed steering: Many drivers find EPS lighter and easier to use, especially at low speeds for parking. 

Disadvantages:

• Reduced driver feedback: Some systems may have a less direct feel and provide less road feedback than hydraulic systems. 
• Potential for electronic issues: Like any electronic system, EPS can be subject to issues like sensor malfunctions or wiring failures. 

Hydraulic power steering (HPS)
Advantages: 

• Robust driver feedback: HPS provides a more direct and connected feel to the road, which is often preferred by enthusiasts and performance drivers.
• High reliability: The system is robust and has a long track record of reliability.
• Cost-effective: In some cases, HPS can be a less expensive initial cost.

Disadvantages:

• Lower fuel efficiency: The always-on hydraulic pump places a constant load on the engine, decreasing fuel economy. 
• Higher maintenance: Hydraulic systems require regular checks of fluid levels and can be prone to leaks. 
• Heavier and more complex: The system adds weight and complexity to the vehicle due to the pump, fluid, and hoses. 

Which is better for you?

• Choose electric power steering if your priority is fuel efficiency, lower maintenance, and advanced technology integration, which is the case for most modern passenger vehicles. 
• Choose hydraulic power steering if you prioritize a more traditional, connected steering feel and a system known for its robust performance, particularly in heavy-duty or performance-focused applications. 

When did electric power steering become standard?

Electric power steering (EPS) became the standard in most new cars during the 2010s, replacing hydraulic systems due to demands for better fuel efficiency and the integration of advanced driver-assistance features. While its use began gradually in the early 2000s, by the 2010s, it had become a near-universal feature across nearly all types of vehicles, from compact cars to electric and hybrid models.
 

• Early adoption: The early 2000s saw automakers like Honda begin introducing EPS in some models to improve fuel efficiency by reducing the engine load compared to hydraulic systems. 
• Increased efficiency: The transition accelerated in the late 2000s and into the next decade as stricter environmental regulations and fuel economy standards took hold. 
• Technological advantage: EPS offers greater flexibility and allows for more precise control by adjusting steering assist based on vehicle speed and other driving conditions, a key benefit for modern vehicle features. 
• Integration: By the 2010s, EPS was standard on most new vehicles, including luxury, mid-range, and family cars, and is essential for electric and hybrid vehicles that don't have a traditional engine to power a hydraulic pump.