Series deployment: New steer-by-wire steering from ZF in the Nio ET9

Software-defined vehicles Series deployment: New steer-by-wire steering from ZF in the Nio ET9

2025-02-24 From Stefanie Eckardt | Translated by AI 2 min Reading Time

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In its new flagship ET9, the Chinese car manufacturer Nio has installed the new steer-by-wire system from ZF in the SkyRide chassis. The automotive supplier provides the steering wheel actuator for steering and simulating the steering feel, as well as the redundant gearbox actuator and the associated software.

Nio uses the new steer-by-wire system from ZF in the ET9.(Image: Nio) — Nio uses the new steer-by-wire system from ZF in the ET9.
(Image: Nio)

With the Nio ET9, not only will the new electric vehicle from the Chinese manufacturer be launched in Germany this year, but also a new precision steering system. There is a technology partnership between both companies, and thus the steer-by-wire technology is now being used in the SkyRide chassis. This replaces the conventional mechanical steering linkage with a digital control system. It dynamically adjusts the steering behavior to different driving conditions, with the steering wheel being physically decoupled from the wheels.

Adjust steering ratio individually

In the steer-by-wire steering system from ZF, a mechatronic actuator between the wheels is the only source of steering force, as there is no longer a mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the steering gear. The control commands are given by a steering wheel actuator in the cockpit, equipped with corresponding rotation angle sensors. The torque feedback unit replicates the natural steering feel and road feedback. The ZF system individually adapts the steering ratio so that the translation of the steering wheel angle to the wheel steering angle is optimally adjusted for different driving speeds or situations. At low speeds, a lower steering ratio provides maximum maneuverability. The vehicle can be controlled with a maximum steering angle of 0.6 turns of the steering wheel without oversteering to the right or left. At higher speeds, the gear ratio increases to ensure stable straight-line driving and controlled handling.

In the steer-by-wire solution from ZF, a mechatronic actuator between the wheels is the sole source of steering force.(Image: ZF) — In the steer-by-wire solution from ZF, a mechatronic actuator between the wheels is the sole source of steering force.
(Image: ZF)

New steering wheel ideas implementable

In addition, the steer-by-wire technology makes it possible to develop new compact steering wheels that no longer require hand-over-hand movement when parking. This results in significantly better maneuverability, as the steering wheel angle is reduced during parking or slow driving maneuvers. Combined with the supplier's mechatronic rear axle steering AKC, ride comfort increases significantly even in electric vehicles with an extended wheelbase. Furthermore, it is safer for the driver without a steering column in the event of an accident.

Further orders

In addition to Nio, ZF has secured other clients: another automaker is adopting the steering technology on an industrial scale. According to the supplier, there are also customer orders for the steer-by-wire system in Europe. "The series deployment shows that our strategy is correct and successful. With a comprehensive product portfolio consisting of hardware and software solutions for vehicle motion control in vertical, lateral, and longitudinal dynamics, we provide our customers with system expertise from a single source. This way, we actively shape the transformation towards the software-defined vehicle," emphasizes Dr. Peter Holdmann, member of the board at ZF and responsible for the Chassis Solutions division. (se)

The test drive with brake-by-wire took the Bosch test team to the company's own winter test center Vaitoudden in Arjeplog, Sweden. (Image:Bosch)

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