EV Dictionary: Suspension

Active Suspension

Active suspension uses powered actuators to apply suspension forces beyond passive damping and spring response.

Adaptive Dampers (CDC/CCD)

Adaptive dampers vary their force characteristic using electronic control, sensor data, and selected vehicle modes.

Adaptive Suspension

Adaptive suspension changes one or more chassis characteristics according to conditions, sensors, or drive mode.

Damper Force–Velocity Curve

A force–velocity curve shows how damper force changes with shaft speed and direction.

Double-Wishbone Suspension

A double-wishbone layout locates the wheel with separate upper and lower control arms.

Frequency-Selective Damping (FSD)

Frequency-selective damping passively changes damper response for different patterns of suspension motion.

Linear, Digressive, and Progressive Damping

These terms describe how damper force changes as shaft velocity rises.

Low-Speed and High-Speed Damping

These damping regions refer to damper-shaft velocity, not the vehicle's road speed.

MacPherson Strut Suspension

A MacPherson strut combines damping, spring support, and structural wheel location.

Magnetorheological Dampers

Magnetorheological dampers use a magnetic field to vary fluid resistance and damping force in real time.

Monotube and Twin-Tube Dampers

These damper layouts use different working, gas, and compensation-chamber arrangements.

Passive Suspension

A passive suspension has no controller changing its mechanical behavior in real time.

Road-Preview Suspension

Preview data lets a suspension prepare for road disturbances before a wheel reaches them.

Self-Leveling and Ride-Height Control

These systems adjust static body height for load, clearance, access, or aerodynamics.

Semi-Active Suspension

Semi-active suspension varies resistance to motion but does not generate arbitrary powered suspension force.