Steer-by-Wire Confirmed. R1, R2, or R3 first?

[Hilbe]

A new job role just for steer-by-wire…confirms it’s coming.

Rivian is definitely working on steer-by-wire. They now have a role calling it out in the job title of “Staff Motor Control Engineer, Steer-by-Wire”. The real question is which product gets it first - R1, R2, or R3?

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[CosmicRivian]

R1 Gen 3 is where I'd put my money.

 

[savethemanual]

R1 Gen 3 is where I'd put my money.

This might tie in with rear wheel steering as well...just a thought.

 

[Eeyore]

This might tie in with rear wheel steering as well...just a thought.

That would be a real upgrade.

 

[DaveA]

Let’s make quieter suspensions and no noise half shafts first.

 

[Kaiju]

Similar to the Gen 2 doors I'm not liking this trend and would rather they didn't go down this path when the reliability just isn't there for a fully electronic system. It seems every case of not having a mechanical linkage as backup for loss of power gets people killed.

When someone inevitably brings up fly by wire being a standard for decades in aircraft, they usually neglect to mention the agonizing array of independent backup systems that I wouldn't expect an automaker to include. At least not when those automakers make the backup to the single point electronic door handle failure a cable hidden under the seat.

 

[f1racer328]

The gen 2 electronic doors still make me not want one. It's just a horrible idea during an accident and there is zero benefit.

 

[Rade]

Similar to the Gen 2 doors I'm not liking this trend and would rather they didn't go down this path when the reliability just isn't there for a fully electronic system. It seems every case of not having a mechanical linkage as backup for loss of power gets people killed.

My thoughts exactly. I would certainly pass on a next generation of vehicle that has Steer-by-wire. Prior to placing my order for my R1T, I looked up the technical manuals for the steering linkage and was quite relieved to see real, physical connections between the steering wheel and the front wheels. Considering it's an 8,500 pound vehicle; from my soul, I want to know I have an option of some semblance of control during a technical emergency.

I LOVE my R1T, but when it was in for servicing, I was given a Launch Edition R1S with the manual door latch. Honestly, I miss those. Sure, fine, pushing a button is okay, and there IS an emergency latch release, but...

 

[mkg3]

There are some real advantages to steer by wire. For an examples it can change steering rate so that when parking, the wheels turn more by smaller rotation of the steering wheel. Another is already mentioned about rear wheel steering - at low speeds, it turns opposite to the front and at speeds, it turn less but in the same direction as the front wheels to facilitate lane change.

Clearly there are disadvantages. The most significant is no mechanical connection to the steering rack and complete absence of real road feedback.

My guess is that just about all vehicles will goto steer by wire over time, regardless of consumer sentiment about it - just as electric PS is more of standard on all vehicles, not just EVs, than hydraulic PS today (lower cost and maintenance)

 

[CharonPDX]

Patents and hiring don't guarantee things ever see production. See Ford's F-150 Lightning bed-mount gasoline range extender. Or Tesla's bed-mount battery range extender.

 

[CrazyOne]

I hope not. If there is no mechanical backup, It would be a deal breaker for our next purchase. I am not even sure I want one with mechanical backup. You lose all feel from the steering.

 

[CrazyOne]

This might tie in with rear wheel steering as well...just a thought.

R1T isn't selling and R1S is not that long. I would be surprised if they do it.

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