Automotive technology has changed almost every part of modern cars, but the steering system is one component that has remained mostly untouched. Some automakers have moved to a steer-by-wire system, which removes the physical connection between the steering wheel and turning wheels, but there are shockingly few vehicles on sale with the technology. Rivian is reportedly set to join their ranks, as sharp-eyed forum users spotted a job listing for a program manager to oversee steer-by-wire development.
Rivian’s job posting states that the role will “have full cradle-to-grave ownership of the SBW subsystem.” That’s not an explicit confirmation that Rivian is working on a new steering system, but it’s a strong hint. The person hired will also be expected to provide investor updates, meaning the automaker could give progress reports on the system’s development on future earnings calls.
Steer-by-wire sounds unnerving, and it understandably makes many people nervous, but the technology does have some upside. Removing the steering column and associated hardware frees room for other technologies, giving automakers the ability to package more “stuff” in a smaller space. Additionally, it allows fine-tuning of steering ratios, such as giving drivers the ability to turn the vehicle with less steering effort.
That said, the Tesla Cybertruck is the only vehicle currently on sale in the U.S. with the technology, and there’s no telling when or if Rivian will introduce steer-by-wire. Rivian calls it “a critical technology that will define the future of our vehicles,” however, so it certainly sounds like something is coming soon.
[Images: Rivian]
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