Milestone in technology partnership – new NIO ET9’s “SkyRide” incorporates steer-by-wire system from ZF

· A new industry benchmark from NIO and the technology group ZF: with the steer-by-wire technology as part of NIO ET9’s “SkyRide” chassis, NIO and ZF industrialize the cutting-edge technology – a milestone for software-defined vehicles.

· Uncompromised driving safety and comfort: NIO ET9’s steer-by-wire technology allows for intelligent adjustment of the steering ratio according to speed, ensuring optimum handling at both low and high speeds.

· Successful partnership: cooperation with the German technology group ZF as part of NIO’s long-term innovation strategy for the European market.

The NIO ET9’s revolutionary steer-by-wire system eliminates the mechanical steering connection, providing a fully digital and customizable driving experience.

Munich; February 17, 2025– NIO, the global company for smart electric vehicles in the premium segment, and the German technology group ZF achieve a milestone in their successful strategic cooperation. By integrating ZF’s steer-by-wire technology into the “SkyRide” chassis of the new NIO ET9 executive flagship, the first model on NIO’s NT 3.0 platform, the precision steering system starts serial production. The steer-by-wire technology replaces the conventional mechanical steering connection with a fully digital control system. By physically decoupling the steering wheel completely from the wheels and dynamically adapting the steering behavior to different driving conditions, a more precise, more comfortable driving experience with uncompromised safety is achieved.

Setting a new standard: precise steering with variable steering ratio

A component of NIO’s “SkyRide” chassis, the steer-by-wire technology optimizes the steering experience through a variable steering ratio. At low speed, a lower steering ratio ensures maximum maneuverability. The vehicle can be steered with a maximum turn of just 0.6 turns of the steering wheel without oversteering to the right or left. This offers maximum comfort, especially when parking and maneuvering in confined spaces. At higher speeds, the gear ratio increases to ensure stable straight-line stability and a controlled driving style.

The NIO ET9, equipped with advanced steer-by-wire technology, enables effortless maneuvering in tight spaces.

Uncompromised safety and comfort through steer-by-wire technology

The pioneering steer-by-wire technology provides uncompromised safety for the driver. As there is no mechanical connection between the steering wheel and wheels, multiple safety mechanisms can be integrated:

· Redundant control: if a component fails, a backup system takes over control to maintain driving safety.

· Removing vibrations: with the mechanical connection removed, the NIO ET9 steer-by-wire system filters vibrations from the road – which leads to a more comfortable driving experience.

· Better control on slippery roads: digital control minimizes the risk of skidding or loss of traction through lower delays and a more precise control.

European cooperation: ZF Group as a partner for innovation

As a crucial part of NIO’s “SkyRide” chassis, the steer-by-wire system was developed in close cooperation with the ZF technology group. The industrialization of the steer-by-wire technology of the NIO ET9 marks a highlight in the strategic partnership that NIO signed with ZF in 2022. Collaborating with European suppliers is a cornerstone of NIO’s EU strategy, and to support it there are five R&D centers across the continent – including R&D facilities in UK (Oxford) in which strategies and operations are overseen by Danilo Teobaldi, Principal Chief Engineer at NIO.

“At NIO, we’re committed to delivering groundbreaking innovations to our users that redefine the driving experience. Our collaboration with ZF, a globally recognized leader in high-quality automotive solutions, is a testament to our dedication to the European market and our ambition to set new industry benchmarks with our smart EVs. With the technological innovations of our new NIO ET9, we’re not just discussing the future – we’re making it a reality.” said Danilo Teobaldi, Principial Chief Engineer at NIO.

“In this era of software-defined vehicles, ZF is establishing itself as a technology leader and giving car manufacturers such asNIO new freedom in terms of design, comfort, driving functions and safety.” said Dr. Peter Holdmann, Member of the Board of Management at ZF and responsible for the Chassis Solutions Division.

Comparison between conventional mechanical steering (left) and NIO ET9’s advanced steer-by-wire system (right).

Steer-by-wire: a milestone for the software-defined vehicle

With the steer-by-wire technology as part of the “SkyRide” chassis, NIO is underlining its leading role in the development of smart electric vehicles. The system offers fully digital steering that can be continuously developed with future autonomous driving functions and over-the-air updates. This makes the NIO ET9 one of the first production vehicles in the world with steer-by-wire and sets a new standard as a catalyst for the next generation of electric vehicles.

Get more information: NIO ET9 Steer-by-Wire

About NIO

NIO is a global smart electric vehicle company founded in November 2014. Dedicated to shaping a sustainable and brighter future together by providing high-performance smart electric vehicles and exceptional user experiences, NIO is the first car company listed on the NYSE, HKEX and SGX. NIO currently has three major brands under its umbrella: NIO, ONVO and firefly.

Ten years into establishment, NIO is now one of the leading companies in the global premium smart electric vehicle market, committed to fostering its own research and development capabilities for core technologies. As of the end of December 2024, the company had filed for and obtained over 9,500 patents. Additionally, NIO has developed NIO Full Stack, a collection of 12 technology domains.

NIO has R&D and manufacturing facilities in Shanghai, Hefei, Beijing, Nanjing, Shenzhen, Hangzhou, Wuhan, San Jose, Munich, Oxford, Berlin, Budapest, Singapore and Abu Dhabi. The company has also established sales and service networks in China, Norway, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark and the UAE.

Press contact

Tobias Henritzi

Lead Media Relations EU

tobias.henritzi@nio.io