IM Motors Tests Steering Wheel-Free Vehicle With Steer-By-Wire Technology
IM Motors has confirmed that it is testing a vehicle without a conventional steering wheel, using the same core technology developed for its upcoming all-new IM LS6
The vehicle is an engineering test prototype designed to demonstrate the capabilities of the company’s steer-by-wire system. Unlike conventional steering systems, steer-by-wire removes the mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the vehicle’s wheels. Steering inputs are instead transmitted electronically to actuators that control the wheels
According to IM Motors, its full steer-by-wire four-wheel steering system has an execution time of around 20 milliseconds. This is significantly quicker than the typical human reflex response time of approximately 200 milliseconds, allowing steering commands to be processed and executed rapidly
The system also includes several layers of redundancy aimed at maintaining control in the event of a failure. Its safety design uses dual power supplies, dual communication channels and dual hardware backups
If both front-wheel steering links were to experience a failure, the vehicle can activate a third layer of redundancy using the rear-wheel steering system. This allows the rear wheels to take over steering control and help guide the vehicle to a safe stop
IM Motors says the complete steer-by-wire system meets the ASIL D functional safety standard, the highest level under the automotive functional safety framework. The company also states that the system has a failure rate below 10 FIT, equivalent to one potential failure per 100 million hours of continuous operation
The technology is expected to play a key role in the all-new IM LS6, which is scheduled to enter pre-sale on September 10. The new electric SUV will target the RMB 200,000-class segment in China and will be equipped with the company’s full steer-by-wire four-wheel steering technology
The steering wheel-free prototype therefore serves as a demonstration of what the technology can potentially support beyond conventional vehicle controls. While the test vehicle is an engineering prototype rather than a production model, it highlights IM Motors’ approach to separating steering control from traditional mechanical hardware
With the LS6, IM Motors is bringing the technology closer to a production vehicle, combining electronic steering control with four-wheel steering and multiple safety redundancies. The September 10 pre-sale launch will provide more details on how the system is implemented in the production SUV
