As India’s automotive industry embraces the era of electrification and intelligent mobility, steering technology is undergoing a quiet revolution. What began as Electric Power Steering (EPS) — replacing hydraulic systems with efficient, software-controlled electric motors—is now evolving into Steer-by-Wire, a technology that removes the mechanical link between the steering wheel and the road wheels altogether.
According to a recent Autocar Professional feature titled “Tech Talk: Why the car industry is turning to steer-by-wire”, global OEMs are increasingly moving toward by-wire steering architectures as the next logical step in vehicle control and automation.
What Exactly Is Steer-by-Wire?
Traditional steering systems rely on mechanical shafts and linkages to transmit driver input from the steering wheel to the front wheels. In contrast, Steer-by-Wire replaces these components with electromechanical actuators and electronic control units (ECUs). The case of a steering component, such as the actuator housing, protects and contains critical parts necessary for precise operation.
When the driver turns the wheel, sensors measure the movement and send signals to an actuator that turns the wheels accordingly. In advanced systems, the road wheels and roadwheels respond directly to these electronic steering commands, ensuring accurate and responsive control. The steered wheels are controlled electronically, eliminating the need for traditional mechanical linkages. This means the only connection between the driver and the road is electronic—not mechanical.
The electric power steering system has replaced traditional hydraulic systems in many vehicles, offering advantages such as improved efficiency and simplified design. These systems have been developed by manufacturers to enhance performance, safety, and adaptability. EPS can reduce driver effort during maneuvers and improve fuel efficiency by eliminating the constant load of hydraulic pumps. Modern EPS also adapts its assistance depending on driving conditions, such as speed or driver preference, for optimal support. Integration with sensors and ECUs allows EPS to interact with other vehicle systems and vehicle systems, providing enhanced control and seamless operation with ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) and autonomous driving platforms.
The result? Greater design freedom, customizable steering feel, and improved integration with ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) and autonomous driving platforms.
Why Global OEMs Are Adopting Electric Power Steering?
Leading technology suppliers like ZF, a company at the forefront of innovation, are pioneering full Steer-by-Wire systems. The ZF steer by wire system, already featured in vehicles like the Nio ET9, is built on its Cubix software platform, which integrates steering, braking, and suspension controls. ZF has achieved a world’s first by implementing this advanced technology in production vehicles.
This shift brings several key advantages of steer-by-wire systems:
Precision and flexibility: Steering behavior can be adjusted instantly via software.
Customizable driving feel: Engineers can tune steering ratios for comfort, sport, or safety modes without hardware changes. For example, steer-by-wire enables easier parking and improved display visibility by allowing the steering wheel to retract or reposition.
Weight and packaging benefits: No steering column means lower weight and more cabin space.
Autonomous readiness: Steer-by-wire systems support higher levels of automation, such as SAE Level 3 and above, enabling features like retractable steering wheels when the vehicle is in full self-driving mode.
Extensive validation: The system has undergone a large number of test kilometers to ensure reliability and safety. In the event of a system failure, redundant safety features ensure the driver can continue steering manually, maintaining control. This robust design prepares the vehicle to handle unlikely event scenarios and ensures safety at every level.
In short, what was once mechanical is now software-defined—a perfect match for next-generation EVs and autonomous vehicles.
In The Opportunity for India’s OEMs
India’s fast-growing EV and connected vehicle markets create the ideal environment for the next evolution of steering systems. The widespread adoption of Electric Power Steering (EPS) in various car segments, including compact cars, SUVs, and light commercial vehicles, has already set the foundation for by-wire steering.
For Indian OEMs, the benefits are clear:
Improved efficiency and lower emissions thanks to the elimination of hydraulic systems.
Seamless integration with ADAS and automated driving functions.
Software-defined control, enabling flexible tuning for different model variants.
Enhanced driver comfort and stability on India’s diverse road conditions.
As the government pushes for safer and smarter mobility, EPS and Steer-by-Wire will play a vital role in shaping India’s next generation of vehicles. Notably, new regulations for advanced steering technologies are expected to take effect in April 2025, further accelerating adoption across the car market.
How XEPS Supports India’s Transition
At Chongqing XEPS Electrical & Mechanical Co., Ltd., we specialize in Electric Power Steering (EPS) systems for both passenger and light commercial vehicles. Our technology is built around efficiency, precision, and adaptability, helping Indian OEMs deliver safer and more responsive driving experiences.
We are actively developing modular EPS architectures that can evolve toward Steer-by-Wire platforms, ensuring our customers are future-ready.
Key strengths of XEPS steering solutions:
Scalable torque range from compact cars to heavy vehicles.
Advanced control algorithms for optimized steering feedback.
Proven reliability under diverse road and climate conditions.
Localized engineering and technical support for Indian OEMs.
Through innovation and close collaboration with automakers, XEPS aims to be a key partner in India’s transition from EPS to fully digital Steer-by-Wire steering systems.
Looking Ahead
The global move toward Steer-by-Wire isn’t just a technological evolution — it’s a step toward redefining how drivers connect with vehicles. As India’s automotive ecosystem evolves, suppliers who can bridge today’s EPS with tomorrow’s by-wire technologies will lead the industry transformation.
At XEPS, we are steering that future—one innovation at a time.
