ZF starts series production of Steer-by-Wire technology with NIO
ZF has started mass production of its steer-by-wire technology for a major Chinese electric car maker.
The steer-by-wire technology, developed in the UK, will be used in NIO’s flagship electric vehicle, the ET9. The ZF technology Group is supplying both the steering wheel actuator for steering and steering feel as well as the redundant steering gear actuator and associated software.
The Smart Electric Executive Flagship model has no mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the front wheels. The technology is in series production with another major global car manufacturer and customer orders for the steer-by-wire system have also been signed in Europe.
ZF created its Chassis Solutions Division at the beginning of 2024 with purely electronically controlled steering and braking systems and controlled damping systems as well as its cubiX software, for software-defined vehicles.
ZF’s steer-by-wire steering system has a mechatronic actuator between the wheels as the only source of transmitting steering inputs. There is no mechanical connection between the steering wheel and steering gear. Steering commands are issued by a steering wheel actuator in the cockpit, which includes a corresponding angle of rotation sensor.
An electric drive – the torque feedback unit – reproduces the natural steering feel and feedback from the road. The ZF system adjusts the steering ratio individually so that the ratio of the steering wheel angle to the wheel angle is optimally adapted for different driving speeds or situations.
“We are supplying customers with the steering of the future. With our production-ready steer-by-wire steering system, we are launching the era of the software-defined vehicle. With an entire portfolio of innovative by-wire technologies, we are a sought-after supplier and a key driver of future-oriented chassis technologies,” says Dr. Peter Holdmann, Member of the Board of Management at ZF and responsible for the Chassis Solutions Division. “ZF is firmly establishing itself as a technology leader in this area and giving car manufacturers such as NIO new freedom in terms of design, safety, comfort and driving functions.”
“At NIO, we are committed to delivering groundbreaking innovations that redefine premium driving experience. Steer-by-wire technology is a key enabler of software-defined vehicles, offering enhanced driving comfort, uncompromised dynamics, and future-proof technology,” says Danilo Teobaldi, Principal Chief Engineer at NIO.
“Our collaboration with ZF, a globally recognised leader in high-quality automotive solutions, is a testament to our ambition to set new industry benchmarks by deploying our smart EVs on a global-market stage.
“Since the strategic partnership we signed with ZF in 2022, to the industrialisation of this technology, we have demonstrated our ability to execute and deliver cutting-edge solutions. Together with ZF, we are shaping the future of intelligent and electrified mobility, setting new standards for the industry.”
Combined with ZF’s AKC mechatronic rear-wheel steering, this increases driving comfort significantly in electric vehicles with a longer wheelbase.
As a direct result of this new division, ZF announced a major order for brake-by-wire braking systems at the beginning of the year for 5m units for a leading global vehicle manufacturer.
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