NIO’s Breakthrough: ET9 Equipped with Steer-by-Wire Technology

The Dawn of a New Era in Automotive Engineering

NIO, the renowned electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, has made history by announcing that its flagship sedan, the ET9, is now approved for mass production with steer-by-wire (SBW) technology. This significant milestone marks the first time such technology has been integrated into a mass-produced vehicle in China, as confirmed by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT).

SBW Technology: A Leap Forward in Vehicle Control

Steer-by-wire technology represents a radical shift from traditional mechanical steering systems. In the ET9, the steering wheel and turning wheels are not mechanically linked; instead, steering commands are transmitted via electrical signals. This innovative approach allows for:

• Lower Delays: Reduced response times between driver input and vehicle reaction.
• Precise Control: Enhanced accuracy in steering control, contributing to safer driving experiences.
• Efficient Transmission: Improved efficiency in power usage, optimizing the vehicle’s performance.
• Flexible Arrangement: Greater design freedom for both interior layout and under-the-hood components.

Development and Safety Standards

Despite the lack of a national standard for SBW technology, NIO has successfully developed and tested this system. It underwent rigorous evaluation by industry experts organized by MIIT, ensuring it meets stringent safety requirements. The ET9’s SBW system boasts an advanced redundant design, incorporating dual power supply, communication channels, hardware, and software to guarantee reliability 2.2 times greater than conventional Electric Power Steering (EPS).

Paving the Way for Advanced Driving Assistance Systems

SBW technology is crucial for achieving integrated chassis control and forms the bedrock upon which higher levels of intelligent driving can be built. As one of the core elements enabling L3 and above autonomous driving capabilities, it is anticipated that SBW will become a staple feature in future EV models.

Enhancing Driver Experience

The decoupling of the steering wheel from the turning wheels offers several advantages:

• Automated Parking: Only slight adjustments (10°) are required to indicate direction, eliminating the need for large-angle turns.
• Vibration Reduction: Over 80% of road vibrations are filtered out, leading to a smoother drive.
• Customizable Road Feel: Drivers can choose between smooth, low-road feel modes for business trips and high-road feel modes for personal drives, enhancing driving pleasure.
• Increased Space: The ET9’s SBW system provides up to 153 mm of steering column movement, offering more room in the driver’s seat compared to the typical 60 mm range of mechanical steering columns.

Unmatched Reliability

Safety remains paramount in NIO’s design philosophy. The ET9’s SBW system features multiple angle sensor redundancies, ensuring the probability of losing steering capability is incredibly low at 4.5 FIT (Failures In Time), equating to one failure every 25,368 years on average.

In conclusion, the integration of SBW technology in the NIO ET9 signifies a major leap forward in automotive engineering, promising improved safety, enhanced driver experience, and paving the way for advanced driving assistance systems.