ZF is now offering NIO’s flagship electrical automobile, the ET9, with its cutting-edge steer-by-wire system. This know-how consists of the steering wheel actuator answerable for steering and tactile suggestions, in addition to a redundant steering gear actuator and mandatory software program.
With the institution of its “Chassis Options” Division in early 2024, ZF has developed a flexible portfolio that options totally electronically managed steering and braking programs, together with managed damping programs. These developments, paired with ZF’s proprietary cubiX software program, lay the groundwork for the software-defined automobile.
The steer-by-wire system from ZF employs a mechatronic actuator positioned between the wheels as the only real mechanism for transmitting steering inputs, eliminating any mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the steering gear. Steering instructions are generated by an actuator situated within the cockpit, which is provided with an angular rotation sensor.
A key part of the system, the torque suggestions unit, reproduces the pure steering really feel and street suggestions. The ZF system intelligently adjusts the steering ratio, customizing the connection between the steering wheel angle and the wheel angle to optimize efficiency throughout numerous speeds and driving circumstances.
This know-how paves the way in which for the creation of latest, extra compact steering wheels that permit drivers to take care of their grip whereas parking. Total, this enhancement considerably improves maneuverability, particularly throughout parking or slow-speed maneuvers, because it reduces the steering wheel angle required. When mixed with ZF’s AKC mechatronic rear-wheel steering, it significantly enhances driving consolation in electrical automobiles that characteristic an extended wheelbase. The steering really feel can be tailor-made to go well with driving preferences, starting from sporty to snug. Moreover, the absence of a bodily steering column can improve driver security within the occasion of a collision.
ZF’s steer-by-wire system represents a big evolution of electrical energy steering and is ideally suited to each electrical and automatic automobiles.
Dr. Peter Holdmann, a member of ZF’s Board of Administration and head of the Chassis Options Division, emphasised, “We’re offering our clients with the steering options of the longer term. By launching our production-ready steer-by-wire system, we’re ushering within the period of software-defined automobiles. Our revolutionary by-wire applied sciences place us as a key participant and provider in future-oriented chassis applied sciences.”
Danilo Teobaldi, Principal Chief Engineer at NIO, added, “At NIO, we’re devoted to delivering improvements that remodel the premium driving expertise. Steer-by-wire know-how is essential for software-defined automobiles, enhancing driving consolation whereas guaranteeing dynamic efficiency and future-readiness. Our collaboration with ZF reinforces our ambition to set new business requirements by deploying our clever EVs globally. Since formalizing our partnership with ZF in 2022 and shifting in direction of industrialization, now we have proven {our capability} to implement superior options. Collectively, we’re defining the way forward for good, electrified mobility.”
The newest steer-by-wire know-how is already in sequence manufacturing with one other main international automotive producer, and ZF has additionally secured buyer orders for the system in Europe.
In January 2024, ZF unified its Energetic Security Know-how and Automotive Chassis Know-how divisions to harness the total potential of its future chassis enterprise, reinforcing its place as an innovation chief within the business. This restructuring has led to a big order for brake-by-wire programs, with practically 5 million automobiles from a outstanding international producer set to characteristic ZF’s electromechanical braking know-how.
By providing a complete vary of by-wire applied sciences, ZF is on the forefront of creating and industrializing trendy chassis programs that don’t depend on mechanical connections or hydraulic fluids.
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