Nio’s William Li recently delivered an ET9 to ZF Group CEO Holger Klein, marking a significant milestone for the Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker. The ET9, Nio’s executive flagship sedan, is the first production model in China to feature steer-by-wire technology, a cutting-edge innovation that sets it apart in the industry.
The handover took place at Nio’s booth during the Shanghai auto show on April 23, where Klein received the key to his ET9 from Nio founder and CEO, William Li. Klein, who is the first expat owner of the ET9, commended the speed of innovation represented by the vehicle and expressed confidence in its potential success in the European market.
In addition to Klein, other notable figures have also become proud owners of the ET9. Robin Zeng, founder and CEO of CATL, and He Xiaopeng, chairman and CEO of Xpeng, have also acquired the executive sedan. Launched on Nio Day in December 2024, the ET9 is priced starting at RMB 788,000 ($108,000) and boasts advanced technologies such as the Shenji NX9031 autonomous driving chip and the SkyRide chassis.
One of the standout features of the ET9 is its steer-by-wire technology, which allows for precise control of the vehicle’s steering through electrical signals, eliminating the need for a mechanical connection between the wheel and the steering wheel. This technology, which was approved for mass production by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology in December the previous year, offers lower latencies, more efficient transmission, and greater flexibility in steering design.
While Nio did not explicitly mention the source of the steer-by-wire technology, it is believed to have originated from ZF Group. The two companies signed a strategic cooperation agreement in 2022 to collaborate on SBW products, marking ZF’s first SBW partnership in the Asia-Pacific region.
The integration of ZF’s advanced technology into the Nio ET9 underscores the commitment to innovation and partnership in the electric vehicle industry. As the automotive landscape continues to evolve, collaborations like the one between Nio and ZF are essential for driving forward progress and delivering cutting-edge solutions to consumers worldwide.
