As advanced intelligent driving evolves from L2+ to L3/L4, the chassis execution layer is emerging as a new primary battleground for intelligent competition. Steer-by-Wire (SBW), the core enabler that eliminates the mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the wheels to achieve fully electronic steering, is now witnessing the synergistic realization of regulatory relaxation and technological implementation.
On the one hand, the dual-redundancy architecture combined with steering feel simulation algorithms is accelerating in maturity, with response times breaking through the 20ms mark to meet the active control requirements of intelligent driving;
On the other hand, domestic suppliers are making continuous breakthroughs in steering actuators and redundant electronic control. System costs have dropped to the 4,000 RMB range, resonating with the implementation of the new national standard and the rising penetration rate, officially ushering the industry into a volume expansion cycle.
Against this backdrop, Gasgoo Research Institute has conducted in-depth research and analysis on the SBW supply chain from dimensions including SBW overview, corporate competitive landscape and typical enterprise profiles, and representative suppliers of key components.
Partial contents of the report are as follows:
SBW replaces mechanical linkages with electrical signals to achieve functions such as variable steering ratio, decoupling of the steering wheel and wheels, and active correction. It balances intelligent driving coordination and ride safety, making it a mandatory configuration for L3+ autonomous driving. Compared to traditional EPS (Electronic Power Steering), SBW boasts significant advantages including millisecond-level response, concealable steering wheels, and freed-up cabin space, and is becoming a differentiated standard feature for high-end intelligent electric platforms.
Core viewpoints of this report:
▶ SBW is iterating towards two major directions: redundancy and variable transmission ratio. The dual-motor/dual-controller ASIL-D (Automotive Safety Integrity Level D) redundancy architecture has become the threshold for mass production. Variable transmission ratio algorithms broaden low-speed flexibility and high-speed stability, which have become core upgrade points for the new generation of intelligent driving models.
▶ Market penetration is expected to climb after the implementation of the new national standard in 2026, and an increasing number of models equipped with SBW will come into the consumers' view.
▶ Technological barriers are concentrated in three major areas: boot-level redundancy design, ASIL-D functional safety certification, and steering feel simulation algorithms. These three respectively determine the failure fault-tolerance boundary, the reliability of electronic control response, and the upper limit of intelligent driving coordination.
The upstream of the SBW industry chain consists of the steering wheel, steering execution assembly (including rack-and-pinion and recirculating ball structures), basic controllers (ECU/MCU), sensors (steering angle/torque/torsion bar sensors, etc.), and core components such as motors and racks.
Among these, domestic manufacturers have made rapid progress in the localization of sensors, basic controllers, and parts of the steering execution assembly; however, the field of high-safety-level MCUs and core chips still relies heavily on foreign giants. The midstream of the industry chain comprises system integration manufacturers. Currently, overseas markets are dominated by international giants such as Bosch, ZF, and JTEKT, while in China, local enterprises like Konghui Technology,Baolong Automotive, and Tuopu Group are taking the lead, having already acquired system-level supply capabilities.
As the new national standard is implemented and costs continue to drop, SBW is accelerating from experimental installation in high-end models to becoming a standard feature on mainstream intelligent driving platforms. The market space is expected to exceed 30 billion RMB in the next 3 to 5 years.
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