Nexteer showcases steer-by-wire with stowable column at Auto Shanghai 2023

SHANGHAI: At the 2023 Shanghai Auto Show from April 18 - 27, Nexteer Automotive is showcasing its award-winning combination of Steer-by-Wire (SbW) with Stowable Steering Column which is said to reinvent the "behind-the-wheel" experience for EVs, ICEs and vehicles across all levels of automation.

"As OEMs transition to electrified and software-defined vehicles, Nexteer's Steer-by-Wire solves many challenges such as reducing part proliferation by replacing specific hardware components with software as well as re-using components across EVs, ICEs, right and left-hand drive vehicles and even across all levels of automation," said Robin Milavec, president of Nexteer Automotive.

According to Milavec, growing interest in Nexteer's Steer-by-Wire is driven by three factors.

First, Steer-by-Wire is a key enabler across all industry megatrends.

Second, many OEMs are leveraging the shift to electrification as an opportunity to rethink legacy systems, electrical/software architectures and introduce innovations that reduce complexity across mixed vehicle platforms.

Third, Steer-by-Wire can help OEMs differentiate their brands and driver experiences in competitive markets.

Nexteer's SbW replaces the mechanical connection between the handwheel and roadwheels with algorithms, electronics and actuators.

SbW opens the gateway to benefits that are not achievable with traditional steering solutions.

For example, Nexteer offers a complete technology solution – such as Hand Wheel Actuator, Road Wheel Actuator and Wheel-to-Wheel system and vehicle integration.

The resulting system enables new, advanced safety and performance features such as improved stability control and braking distances, Automatic Emergency Steering, Brake-to-Steer, variable steering ratio and more.

Reduces Part Proliferation; Enhances Safety, Performance, Packaging

In addition, SbW supports cost efficiency through hardware standardization – enabling OEMs to re-use the same steering system on vehicle platforms with a mix of EVs, ICEs, left-hand and right-hand drive.

Part proliferation is further reduced by software-enabled, variable steering ratios that achieve almost limitless steering ratios without the need for a variety of steering gear components.

SbW also opens new possibilities for flexibility in under-hood packaging – an important consideration for EV battery packaging.

As a result, OEMs get a tailored steering feel with the latest in advanced safety and performance – all while increasing packaging flexibility and standardizing and reducing part numbers.

Nexteer's Stowable Steering Column utilizes custom-designed software and electronics that allow the steering wheel to be retracted into the dash and away from the driver when not in use.

This innovative technology fits a longer column – up to five times greater stow distance – into similar packaging space as a traditional column.

Nexteer's innovative design solution considers requirements for stow speeds, vehicle packaging and sound level.

The stowable column also provides innovative solutions for crash safety, with ASIL-D (Automotive Safety Integrity Level D) steering column positioning.