First electric SUV with steer-by-wire system, Toyota updates Tesla's 'yoke' steering wheel

 

 

In its first electric SUV, Toyota introduced a steering wheel that looks very similar to Tesla's "yoke" steering wheel, but the company added an important feature that resolves the Tesla yoke's basic problem.

It was a hot topic when Tesla introduced the new Model S with the "yoke" butterfly steering wheel.

Some people were concerned about the wheel's form, while others were concerned about the lack of a drive stalk to select the drive mode.

In the case of the former, we assumed that the automaker would not risk releasing the yoke steering wheel without a non-linear steering curve enabled by a steer-by-wire system.

Especially given Tesla's research of a steer-by-wire technology.

However, when Tesla start shipping the new Model S Plaid last month, we were surprised to see that the steering wheel had a normal 14.0:1 steering ratio, which has found to be difficult at lower speeds.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk later confirmed that progressive steering is in the works, but that it will be years away.

Toyota launched its first electric car, the bZ4X, today, and it included a steering wheel with a unique shape:

 

Toyota, like Tesla, stated that the main advantage was improved visibility.

Unlike Tesla, though, Toyota has implemented a drive-by-wire system that allows the steering to be adjusted for low-speed conditions and fast curves.

All of the benefits of the new steer-by-wire system were highlighted by the automaker:

Lock-to-lock is adjusted at around 150 degrees, which removes the need to switch grips while steering and considerably reduces the driver's workload for U-turns, garage parking, and twisting highways.
The steering feel is increased by controlling the steering torque felt by the driver and the steering angle of the tyres independently. Drive mode selection can alter steering characteristics.

Tire vibrations are filtered, and only required vibrations, such as road information, are transmitted. When driving on uneven ground or with Lane Tracing Assist engaged, the system regulates tyre movement to maintain vehicle stability.

More legroom is provided by the one-motion grip, which improves driving position freedom and simplicity of entry and exit.

Next year, the new technology will launch in the bZ4X.