EV maker Rivian is quietly advancing toward the adoption of steer-by-wire (SBW) technology in its upcoming models.
The company unveiled in March 2024 its new vehicle platform, which underpins the upcoming SUV 2026 R2 but also the midsize crossover R3 and its performance variant R3X.
A new job advertisement for a senior “Staff Technical Program Manager, Steering Actuator System,” suggests an intent to pivot away from conventional mechanical steering towards a fully digital alternative.
The main role of the function is to “lead the end-to-end execution of our innovative Steering Actuator System” while having “full cradle-to-grave ownership of the SBW subsystem”
Steer-by-wire replaces the physical steering column with an electronic control system, decoupling the driver’s steering wheel from the wheels themselves.
This allows adaptive, intelligent adjustment of the steering ratio in real time, improving precision at high speeds and manoeuvrability at lower speeds.
Rivian‘s listing describes the steering actuator system as “a critical technology that will define the future of our vehicles.” The job listing was first reported by X user ‘Hilbe’ on Thursday.
The description of the role says the candidate will be “guiding its development from concept through to production and beyond” to “ensuring seamless integration and exceptional performance”.
ET9, the flagship sedan of the Chinese EV Maker Nio, started deliveries earlier this year and uses the steer-by-wire technolohy supplied by the German giant ZF following their 2022 partnership.
In February, ZF, the major automotive supplier, disclosed that aside from Nio, “a second major global car manufacturer is already using the modern steering technology on an industrial scale” and that “customer orders for the steer-by-wire system in Europe” were already being processed.
The German giant did not disclose the name of the carmaker.
Tesla has also adopted the technology in its Cybertruck, completely removing the mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the front tyres.
While not the first to install steer-by-wire in a production car, Tesla was the first to fully exploit its potential and bring it to US roads.
The steering ratio in the Cybertruck adjusts across an unusually wide range, from 5:1 at low speeds to 12:1 at the top end. According to MotorTrend, the Cybertruck’s steering at its slowest is more responsive than the Porsche 911’s variable-ratio rack at its quickest.
Rivian’s listing calls for someone to “proactively identify, assess, and mitigate technical, schedule, and business risks throughout the programme lifecycle” and to “develop, maintain, and relentlessly drive aggressive yet achievable programme schedules and budgets”.
As reported earlier this Friday, the Canadian firm Connor, Clark & Lunn Investment Management increased its holdings in Rivian to more than 2 million shares in the second quarter.
The company released its second quarter financial results earlier this week, reporting a return to a negative gross margin while its accumulated deficit reached nearly $25 billion, a record in the industry.
Over the last few days, several Wall Street analysts trimmed their price target as the Irvine-headquartered manufacturer saw its stock reach a new low since mid-April.
