METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING ELECTRO HYDRAULIC POWER STEERING PUMP FOR POWER STEERING SYSTEM OF AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE

A system and method control an electro hydraulic power steering system for an electric vehicle having an electric vehicle battery. The power steering system includes an electro hydraulic power steering pump for assisting in movement of a steering wheel. An electronic controller includes an electronic processor configured to: receive a closed or open position for battery contactors from a contactor controller; receive a driving direction signal for the electric vehicle from a driving direction indicator; determine when the battery contactors are closed and when the driving direction signal is in drive or reverse for moving the electric vehicle, and provide an activation signal to operate the power steering pump when the battery contactors are closed and the driving direction signal is in one of drive and reverse. The electronic processor is configured to provide a deactivation signal to the power steering pump when the electric vehicle is not in drive or reverse; and/or the battery contactors are open.