NIO ET9 Steer-by-Wire Technology Receives European Certification

The NIO ET9 executive sedan has received European certification for its steer-by-wire (SBW) system, making it the only vehicle globally certified for this technology in both China and Europe. This milestone, announced by NIO today through its @NIOGlobal account on X, highlights the EV maker’s technological milestones.

Why the European Certification Matters

The NIO ET9’s steer-by-wire system was approved for mass production by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology in December 2024. More recently, the ET9’s SBW also received the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) E-Mark certification, which was conducted by Applus+ IDIADA of Spain, according to a report from CNEV Post. In a post on Weibo, Nio founder William Li stated that the NIO ET9’s steer-by-wire system is the only SBW technology in the world to be certified in both China and Europe.

Steer-by-wire technology decouples the steering wheel from the wheels, using electrical signals for control. This setup allows for lower delays and precise handling, efficient transmission, and flexible design. Very few production vehicles have been released with a steer-by-wire system, with its use being limited only to EVs like the Tesla Cybertruck, among others. With this certification, NIO hopes that steer-by-wire technology will see wider adoption in the industry.

NIO ET9’s Market Entry

Launched on December 21, 2024, the NIO ET9 is the electric car maker’s most expensive production car today at RMB 788,000 ($109,560). Deliveries began on March 29, with 810 ET9 units being sold in its first full month. The vehicle has been quite successful among China’s elite, with high-profile entrepreneurs like CATL’s Robin Zeng and Xpeng’s He Xiaopeng placing orders for the luxury electric vehicle. 

For buyers, the ET9 is a luxury tech showcase with a cabin that rivals the best in the business, but its high starting price positions it as a niche player, even with innovative features like SBW. There is little doubt that the ET9 is a worthy flagship car for NIO, however, perhaps even one that can lead the company into becoming a household name in the near future.

EV.com recognizes NIO’s ET9 as a pioneer in steer-by-wire technology with dual certifications. You can explore the best offers on popular electric vehicles we have on our listings here.