Tesla Engineer Champions Cybertruck's Innovative Steer-by-Wire Amid Criticism

Tesla's lead engineer for the Cybertruck, Wes Morrill, has defended the vehicle's steer-by-wire system against criticism from traditional auto enthusiasts. He highlights its potential to redefine driving dynamics and emphasizes its acceptance among new users.

Cybertruck's Steer-by-Wire System Sparks Debate Among Auto Enthusiasts

A Tesla Cybertruck Lead Engineer has defended the all-electric pickup truck's steer-by-wire system, which has been well received by reviewers but criticized by more traditional auto enthusiasts, Teslarati reported.

The Tesla Cybertruck is gradually being delivered to more customers. With an increasing number of Cybertrucks on the road, questions are being raised about whether the Cybertruck can truly establish itself as an iconic vehicle. A YouTube auto reviewer, Marques Brownlee (MKBHD), addressed this in a recent review, noting that the Cybertruck has already become iconic.

MKBHD praised the Cybertruck's steer-by-wire system in his review, and Tesla Cybertruck Lead Engineer Wes Morrill noted that it ruined everything else for him as well. With steer-by-wire, almost any vehicle with a traditional steering system feels outdated. Some critics were taken aback by the comment, with one pointing out that no one wants steer-by-wire in sports cars and that Tesla engineers are first and foremost engineers.

Cybertruck Engineer Highlights Steer-by-Wire's Flexibility and Future Potential

In response to the steer-by-wire critic, the Cybertruck Lead Engineer explained the benefits of steer-by-wire, including the system's ability to function as a power-assisted steering system if needed. He also mentioned that drivers can amplify feedback in a steer-by-wire system.

“Steer by wire and modern power assist steering are both doing the majority of the work for the driver and can have the same responsiveness and road feedback; in fact, you could amplify the feedback if desired. The main difference is that steer by wire can have a variable steering ratio which is better for low speeds. You could make a steer-by-wire system behave exactly like a power-assisted system if that’s what you really wanted to do,” Wes Morrill penned.

The Cybertruck is the only vehicle currently available with a steer-by-wire system, so it's not surprising that some car enthusiasts oppose the feature. One thing is certain, though. The Cybertruck may be the first consumer vehicle to feature steer-by-wire technology, but it will certainly not be the last. With the system working in the Cybertruck, it wouldn't be surprising if future iterations of the Model S Plaid or the next-generation Roadster include a steer-by-wire system.

Photo: Stephen Leonardi/Pexels