ZF has equipped the NIO ET9 with a fully electronic steering system
ZF has revealed information about the latest Steer-by-Wire electronic steering system being installed in the flagship ET9 electric sedan from Chinese company NIO.
Here's What We Know
In the Steer-by-Wire steering system, the wheels are turned by a mechatronic actuator. There is no longer a mechanical link between the steering wheel and the steering mechanism.
Steering commands are issued by the steering wheel actuator in the cabin, which has a corresponding steering angle sensor. The electric actuator - the so-called torque feedback unit - reproduces the sensation of feedback on the steering wheel. The ZF system individually adjusts the steering gear ratio, so that the steering wheel to wheel angle ratio adapts to different driving speeds or situations.
ZF cites the following advantages of Steer-by-Wire:
- Steering flexibility: reducing the steering angle at low speeds makes parking and manoeuvring easier.
- New design possibilities: compact steering wheels can be created that do not require changing grip during parking.
- Rear steering: in combination with the ZF AKC (Active Kinematics Control) rear-wheel steering system, comfort is improved in electric vehicles with a long wheelbase.
- Safety: the absence of a steering column reduces the risk of injury in the event of an accident.
Steer-by-Wire steering technology thus represents a further step in the evolution of electric power steering.
Steer-by-Wire is designed specifically for electric and automated vehicles. Besides NIO, another unnamed major car manufacturer is already using this technology in series production. In addition, ZF has received an order from a European automaker.
Source: ZF
