Rivian appears to be gearing up for a major leap in vehicle handling and design flexibility, as new job postings suggest the electric vehicle maker is actively developing its own steer-by-wire (SBW) system, a technology that could dramatically change how its electric vehicles handle and feel on the road.
By replacing the traditional mechanical link between the steering wheel and the wheels with electronic controls, Rivian aims to deliver sharper responsiveness, and greater design flexibility.
Clues from Rivian’s Job Listings
The biggest hint of Rivian’s plans came from a recently spotted job posting on the Rivian Forums for a Senior Staff Technical Program Manager – Steering Actuator System. The now-deleted job posting indicated the successful candidate would oversee the SBW subsystem from concept to launch, including supplier coordination, quality control, and reporting to investors—suggesting Rivian expects to publicly discuss the system’s progress in future earnings calls.
A second listing for a Sr. Mechanical Design & Release Engineer – Steering further fuels speculation. It mentions both steer-by-wire and rear-wheel steering—another feature that could dramatically improve maneuverability for Rivian’s larger models like the R1T pickup and R1S SUV.
What Steer-By-Wire Means for Drivers
Unlike traditional steering systems that rely on a mechanical column to link the steering wheel to the front wheels, steer-by-wire replaces that physical connection with electronic actuators. Inputs from the driver are translated into digital signals, which are then processed to turn the wheels accordingly.
This setup brings several potential advantages:
- Sharper, more responsive handling with customizable steering feel
- Packaging freedom by removing bulky mechanical components, freeing space for other technologies
- Improved integration with driver-assistance systems and future autonomous driving features
- Weight savings that can enhance efficiency and range
- Innovative steering designs such as compact yokes or variable-ratio wheels
The technology is already proven in aviation and is slowly making its way into the automotive sector. Tesla’s Cybertruck is currently the only production vehicle in North America using steer-by-wire, while Lexus says it will be launching one soon, but it has yet to enter production.
When Could We See It?
While Rivian hasn’t confirmed a launch date, the technology could debut on the upcoming R2 crossover, slated for a 2026 release. Introducing SBW on a more affordable model could help cut manufacturing costs while differentiating Rivian from competitors in a crowded EV market.
For larger, next-generation versions of the R1T and R1S, steer-by-wire could pair with rear-wheel steering to shrink turning radiuses, making these full-size EVs more nimble in tight city streets, parking lots, or off-road trails. However, such updates might not arrive until the next major refresh—likely closer to 2028.
While there’s still no official timeline, the language in Rivian’s postings—calling SBW “a critical technology that will define the future of our vehicles”—strongly suggests it’s not a question of if, but when.
