The Tesla Cybertruck has once again catapulted itself into the limelight and won a prestigious Best Tech Award. This time, however, it was not about the eye-catching stainless steel body, but about the pioneering steer-by-wire-technology. With this innovation Tesla sets new standards in vehicle construction and shows how modern electric vehicles can develop in terms of safety, comfort and agility.
Revolutionary steering without mechanical connection
In contrast to conventional rack-and-pinion systems, the Tesla Cybertruck uses a fully electronic steer-by-wire system. This means that there is no longer a mechanical connection between the steering yoke and the front wheels. Instead, the yoke sends inputs to a computer, which in turn controls two independent electric motors. This design offers several advantages:
- High reliabilityIf one of the two steering motors fails, the other can continue to steer the vehicle.
- Triple sensor systemTwo main sensors continuously record the steering angle; a third sensor acts as a "referee" and provides additional safety.
- 48-volt architectureOne motor is supplied via a new 48-volt circuit, the second via the high-voltage battery.
This redundant safety concept was an important factor in the top rating, as it underlines the robustness and reliability of the system.
Variable steering ratio for more driving comfort
Another highlight is the variable steering ratio. While conventional cars require three to three and a half turns of the steering wheel from stop to stop, the Cybertruck impresses with dynamic adjustments:
- Low speedsApproximately 5:1 steering ratio - ideal for tight bends and parking maneuvers.
- High speedsApprox. 12:1 - for smoother and more precise steering movements.
As the steering angle is limited to a maximum of 340 degrees, the often awkward hand-over-hand movements are no longer necessary when driving slowly. After just a few steering maneuvers, many drivers find the system surprisingly intuitive.
Four-wheel steering makes the Cybertruck more maneuverable
In addition to steer-by-wire, the Cybertruck also relies on active rear axle steering. At low speeds, the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction to the front wheels, significantly reducing the turning circle. On the highway or at higher speeds, all four wheels point in the same direction. This results in stable lane changes and remarkably smooth handling. The result is a driving experience that you would hardly expect from such a large and robust pickup.
Outlook: Steer-by-wire also in other Tesla-models
The Tesla Cybertruck is increasingly serving as a technological platform for future model series. Tesla has already confirmed that the innovations known from the Cybertruck will also be introduced in other models in the future. As steer-by-wire is closely linked to the 48-volt architecture, this changeover will take place gradually. According to forecasts, the Model S and Model X will be the next to benefit from this development, before all models are introduced in the long term. Tesla-vehicles will be equipped with steer-by-wire as standard.
Conclusion
The presentation of the Best Tech Award to the Tesla Cybertruck shows that Tesla delivers far more than just an eye-catching design and strong acceleration values. The steer-by-wire system raises comfort, safety and maneuverability to a new level. The Cybertruck not only points the way for Tesla's future model range, but also sends a clear signal to the entire automotive industry: the era of fully electronic, flexibly adaptable steering systems has long since begun.
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