As the automotive industry rapidly evolves toward greater intelligence, the development of intelligent chassis technology is becoming a central focus. In China, the smart chassis is changing from simple by-wire control systems to more advanced control technologies. This change aims to create fully intelligent chassis systems.
A report from the China Society of Automotive Engineers says the industry is in the Intelligent Chassis 2.0 era. It will move to the Intelligent Chassis 3.0 era after 2026. This change will mean full by-wire control of car chassis.
Three Stages of Intelligent Chassis Development
The evolution of intelligent chassis technology in China can be divided into three stages, each with significant breakthroughs that drive the development of the automotive industry.
| Dimension | Intelligent Chassis 1.0 (2018-2022) | Intelligent Chassis 2.0 (2023-2025) | Intelligent Chassis 3.0 (Post-2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core Feature | Single-system operation, initial electronic control | Three-axis coordinated control, active perception | Fully by-wire, Vehicle-Road-Cloud coordination |
| Level of By-wire | 30%-50% (mechanical backup retained) | 70%-90% (key systems by-wire) | 100% (fully by-wire) |
| Coordinated Control | Single-axis independent control | Basic X, Y, Z three-axis coordination | Deep integration of six degrees of freedom |
| Braking Technology | Hydraulic Braking + EHB (Two-Box) | EHB One-Box (e.g., Bosch IPB / Bethel WCBS) | EMB (Electro-Mechanical Brake) |
| Steering Technology | EPS (Electric Power Steering) | EPS + Rear Wheel Steering | SBW (Steer-by-Wire) |
| Suspension Technology | Passive Suspension | CDC Semi-Active Suspension | Air Suspension + AI Preview System |
| Response Speed | Braking: 120-150ms | Braking: 80-100ms; Steering: 100-120ms | Braking: ≤50ms; Steering: ≤60ms |
Intelligent Chassis 1.0: Technology Verification (2018-2022)
The first phase of intelligent chassis development focused on verifying core technologies, particularly electronic control systems. During this stage, systems operated independently on a single axis (X or Y), and mechanical backups were still present. The level of by-wire was low, and coordination across systems was minimal.
Intelligent Chassis 2.0: Scale Application (2023-2025)
Currently, the industry is in the 2.0 scale application period, which represents a significant leap forward. The biggest breakthrough here is the basic coordinated control across three axes (X, Y, Z), which allows for more active perception and better overall control. The level of by-wire has increased substantially, with systems such as EHB One-Box and CDC semi-active suspension becoming mainstream in mid-to-high-end models. This phase focuses on refining multi-system coordination, with a push toward improving response times and system integration.
Intelligent Chassis 3.0: Full Intelligence (Post-2026)
The 3.0 phase represents the future of intelligent chassis, where the technology will achieve 100% by-wire control, fully eliminating mechanical backups. By integrating Vehicle-Road-Cloud coordination, systems will become capable of dynamic optimization, offering six degrees of freedom for superior performance. Technologies like SBW (Steer-by-Wire) and EMB (Electro-Mechanical Brake) will become standard, providing ultra-fast response times and achieving the highest levels of functional safety.
ZF’s Intelligent Chassis Systems
In line with the industry’s shift towards greater automation and intelligence, ZF, a leading global technology company, has been playing a significant role in advancing chassis systems. Recently, ZF announced innovations that align with the transition to Intelligent Chassis 2.0 and 3.0. Their Steer-by-Wire (SBW) systems, which eliminate the need for traditional mechanical steering components, represent a leap forward in the push for full by-wire chassis systems. By integrating Vehicle-Road-Cloud coordination and enhancing response times, ZF’s solutions are poised to contribute significantly to the industry’s transition to more intelligent, responsive vehicles.
ZF’s chassis approach not only focuses on advanced steering systems like SBW, but also on enhancing electronic braking systems (EMB), which are crucial for achieving high-performance and safety standards in fully intelligent chassis designs. With these advancements, ZF is helping to drive the development of a new generation of vehicles that are safer, more efficient, and better connected to their environments.
XEPS: Driving the Evolution of Intelligent Chassis
As intelligent chassis technology progresses, XEPS, a supplier of Electric Power Steering (EPS) systems, is playing a pivotal role in the automotive. XEPS provides customized steering system solutions for automotive OEMs worldwide, supporting every stage of the intelligent chassis lifecycle. From the mature EPS in Stage 1.0 to ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) integration in Stage 2.0, and ultimately to SBW (Steer-by-Wire) technology in Stage 3.0, XEPS is leading the way.
Through continuous research and development, XEPS helps OEMs seamlessly integrate advanced steering systems into their vehicles, meeting the rising demands for automation and smart chassis solutions. XEPS’s comprehensive range of technologies ensures its clients are equipped to handle the evolving challenges of the automotive industry.
The Future of Intelligent Chassis
By 2030, we can expect the intelligent chassis to evolve beyond its current form. The AI-defined digital chassis will transform the vehicle from a mechanical system into an intelligent, adaptive platform. With the ability to self-learn and dynamically adjust based on driving conditions, the chassis will deliver personalized driving experiences that optimize safety, comfort, and efficiency. Continuous improvements will be made through OTA (Over-the-Air) updates, allowing the chassis to evolve over time and become more capable with each passing day.
