New partner project in the SAFER portfolio: When the car thinks for itself – and drives safer than ever
Imagine an automated electric vehicle suddenly needing to swerve to avoid an unexpected obstacle – quickly, smoothly, and without losing control. These are the moments when traffic safety is truly put to the test. Now, a new SAFER partner project is kicking off to take the safety of automated electric vehicles to the next level.
The project, "Enhancing Safety of Automated Electric Vehicles through Motion-by-Wire," is developing an advanced control system where the vehicle is no longer steered through mechanical linkages, but entirely by digital signals – steer-by-wire and brake-by-wire. By smartly coordinating various components such as wheels, motors, and brakes, the vehicle will be able to perform rapid, controlled evasive manoeuvres if something unexpected happens – like a pedestrian suddenly stepping into the road.
And not only that – even if part of the control system fails, the vehicle will still be able to maintain control and brake safely. In other words, it's about building an extra layer of safety – for all road users.
The project is led by researchers at Chalmers (E2 and M2 divisions), in close collaboration with Volvo Cars and Volvo Group. It is funded by Vinnova with a total budget of SEK 13 million and will run from August 2025 to August 2029.
We warmly welcome this important project to the SAFER partner project portfolio!
