Nio’s ET9 sedan has made history as the only vehicle in the world to have its SBW (steer-by-wire) technology certified in both China and Europe. This significant achievement comes after the ET9 began deliveries in China and received mass production approval in December 2024.
The SBW system on the ET9 has recently received the UNECE E-Mark certification in Europe, marking a milestone for the Chinese EV maker. This certification was carried out by Applus IDIADA, a third-party automotive technical service organization based in Spain. It is the first time Applus IDIADA has certified a vehicle equipped with SBW technology in Europe.
Nio’s founder, chairman, and CEO, William Li, expressed pride in this accomplishment, highlighting that the ET9’s SBW technology has earned recognition from regulators in both China and Europe. This recognition is expected to pave the way for increased mass production of SBW technology in the automotive industry.
The ET9, which was officially launched on Nio Day 2024 with a starting price of RMB 788,000 ($109,560), has already seen success in the market. Deliveries of this executive sedan began in March 2025, with 810 units delivered in its first full delivery month. Notable entrepreneurs such as Robin Zeng of CATL and He Xiaopeng of Xpeng have either become owners of the ET9 or placed orders for the model.
One of the key technological features of the ET9 is its SBW technology, which allows for the complete decoupling of the steering wheel from the wheels. This innovative system operates through electrical signals rather than mechanical connections, offering advantages such as lower delays, precise control, efficient transmission, and flexible arrangement.
In December 2024, the ET9’s SBW technology was approved for mass production by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, making it the first mass-produced vehicle in China to feature this advanced technology. This achievement underscores Nio’s commitment to innovation and technological advancement in the electric vehicle sector.
Overall, the certification of the ET9’s SBW technology in both China and Europe signifies a significant milestone for Nio and sets a new standard for advanced automotive technology in the global market. With its cutting-edge features and impressive performance, the ET9 is poised to make a lasting impact on the automotive industry.
