ET9 steer-by-wire
When steering becomes a signal
Steer-by-wire replaces the conventional mechanical steering link with an electronic control path, requiring carefully engineered redundancy.
Canvas of Knowledge · 14 November 2026 · Illustrated explainerProduction example
NIO’s ET9 integrates ZF steer-by-wire into its SkyRide chassis. The two companies announced the start of serial production of this steering system in 2025.
A wider chassis
The ET9 also combines rear-wheel steering with fully active suspension. Steering and suspension are different functions, even when one chassis controller coordinates their behaviour.
North American parallel
Tesla’s Cybertruck also uses steer-by-wire and four-wheel steering. Its manual describes redundant sensors and actuators. Implementation and fallback behaviour are model-specific.
THE IDEA TO KEEPA sophisticated chassis is a coordinated safety-critical system, not merely a steering wheel with fewer turns.
Different companies. Related engineering.
Cybertruck steer-by-wire
Examples identify a shared engineering theme; specifications, implementation and availability differ by vehicle and market.
Sources & further reading
Sources reviewed 14 November 2026. Specifications and availability depend on the product, market and date. Source organisations do not endorse this website.