Steer-by-Wire Gains Traction as NIO ET9 Leads New Models

Steer-by-wire is becoming the new standard for intelligent new-energy vehicles. On July 1, China’s national standard for steer-by-wire officially took effect, removing regulatory barriers to its implementation. The NIO ET9, China’s first mass-produced vehicle equipped with steer-by-wire technology, has already launched, featuring a full-lock steering angle of just 240 degrees and a transmission ratio as low as 6:1—enabling U-turns without switching hands. Upcoming models such as the IM LS8, Li Auto L9 Livis, NIO ES9, and XPeng GX will also adopt this technology. By replacing mechanical linkages with electrical signals, steer-by-wire not only improves front-compartment space utilization by 20% and enhances NVH performance but also enables customizable steering feel and millisecond-level response, making it better suited for advanced intelligent driving systems. Despite challenges like simulated road feedback distortion and driver adaptation, its advantages in safety—such as the IM LS8’s failure rate being lower than that of conventional systems—and human-vehicle co-driving synergy are accelerating industry-wide adoption.