ZF is installing the most recent version of its steer-by-wire system on the Chinese firm Nio’s electric flagship ET9. The technology group is providing the redundant steering gear actuator, the related software, and the steering wheel actuator for steering and steering sensation display.
Thus, the steering wheel and front wheels of the Smart Electric Executive Flagship are not mechanically connected. Established in early 2024, ZF’s “Chassis Solutions” Division offers a wide range of fully electronically controlled steering and braking systems along with controlled damping systems. These systems, when combined with ZF’s proprietary cubiX software, serve as the foundation for the software-defined vehicle.
The sole source of steering force in ZF’s steer-by-wire steering system is a mechatronic actuator located between the wheels. The steering wheel and steering gear are no longer mechanically connected. A steering wheel actuator with a corresponding angle of rotation sensor in the cockpit is responsible for issuing the steering commands. The so-called torque feedback unit, an electric motor, mimics the road’s natural steering sensation and feedback. In order to optimise the steering wheel angle to wheel angle ratio at various driving speeds or conditions, the ZF system independently modifies the steering ratio.
Modern steering technology is already being used on an industrial scale by a second major global automaker, in addition to Nio. The steer-by-wire solution is also being ordered by customers in Europe.
ZF is at the forefront of the development and industrialisation of contemporary chassis systems, offering the widest variety of by-wire technologies that eliminate the need for system fluids or mechanical connections.
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