SUNCAR iSUV BMW X5 - ETH Focus Project

The SUNCAR Steer by Wire project involved converting a BMW X5 to electric individual wheel drive with torque vectoring. In particular, a steer-by-wire control system was implemented. Torque vectoring served as a fault-tolerant fallback for the steer-by-wire control system.

Technical data

Steer by Wire

Steer by Wire disconnects the mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the front axle in a vehicle and replaces it with an electronic connection. This has many advantages, such as space savings, reduced risk of accidents for the driver, and the ability to control the vehicle independently of the driver in an energy-efficient manner. To ensure that this system continues to function even in the event of a technical defect, redundancies such as torque vectoring are necessary.

Torque Vectoring

Torque vectoring technology controls vehicles by applying different torques to the wheels. Unlike many other vehicles, the iSUV has two individually controllable front motors, one for each wheel, making this vehicle ideal for this technology. In addition to the different torque, the resulting difference in precession force can also be used on the front axle to turn the wheels in the direction of steering while driving. This makes the system even more efficient. 

Battery