Steer-by-Wire System and Backup Power Supply (Libuddy®) are installed in LEXUS RZ

JTEKT Corporation (Headquarters: Kariya City, Aichi Prefecture; President: Yoshihito Kondo) has announced that the high-heat-resistant lithium-ion capacitor "Libuddy^®," which serves as a backup power supply for its next-generation steer-by-wire system, has been installed in the LEXUS RZ, the first battery electric vehicle (BEV) model exclusively. Which is released on March 12, 2025 by Toyota Motor Corporation (Headquarters: Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture; President: Koji Sato). This marks the first adoption of a steer-by-wire system without mechanical connections in LEXUS vehicles.

Libuddy^® is a registered trademark of JTEKT Corporation.
LEXUS is a registered trademark of Toyota Motor Corporation.

[Image of Steer-by-Wire System and Backup Power Supply]

The JTEKT Group is committed to its mission of "Joint Technology to bring joy to the planet earth and all working people" and aims to become "A solution provider creating the future of mobility society through Monozukuri and Monozukuri equipment" by 2030, as outlined in the JTEKT Group 2030 Vision. To achieve this transformation into a solution provider, we aim for growth and change through both enhancing the added value of existing products and challenging new domains.

１．Solution Overview

JTEKT was the first company in the world to start mass production of Electric Power Steering (EPS) in 1988. In addition to improving safety and environmental performance in EPS, we have been developing a linkless steer-by-wire system that has no mechanical connection between the steering column unit and the steering rack control unit, aiming at the future mobility society by enhancing comfort. The developed steer-by-wire system features a safety-first redundant system design and new control technologies, making it suitable for vehicle installation.

By expanding the control system through electrification technology, the system enhances intuitive steering feel on winding roads and maneuverability at low speeds, accelerating the "dialogue between people and cars" cherished by LEXUS, and has been recognized as bringing a major transformation to the conventional cockpit, leading to its adoption. Because the steer-by-wire system has no mechanical connection structure, it offers excellent installability and greater freedom in the layout of other components. Moreover, in the event of a vehicle collision, its structure prevents force feedback from the steering wheel, contributing to the safety of the driver.

Libuddy^® was developed as a high-heat-resistant lithium-ion capacitor to serve as an auxiliary power source for our EPS system, but it is now being proposed as energy management for various applications beyond automobiles. By using Libuddy^® as a backup power supply, in the unlikely event of a vehicle power failure, it can supply enough electricity to operate the vehicle safely to the roadside or another safe position, thereby enhancing safety for the vehicle, driver, passengers, and the surrounding environment.

２．Future Prospect

By leveraging the core competencies of the JTEKT Group, we will further enhance our technological capabilities in products and services that contribute to improving mobility safety, driving performance, and environmental sustainability.

We will continue to propose new value to our customers as a solution provider capable of contributing to next-generation automotive technologies.