Which cars use drive-by-wire?

Almost every new car today uses some form of drive-by-wire. Electronic throttle control is now effectively universal, most hybrids and EVs use brake-by-wire to blend regenerative and friction braking, and a small but growing group of models offers true steer-by-wire. Below is a clear breakdown of what “drive-by-wire” means and which vehicles use each technology.

What “drive-by-wire” actually means

Drive-by-wire replaces a direct mechanical linkage (like cables, rods, or vacuum boosters) with electronic sensors, actuators, and software. The big three are throttle-by-wire (engine response controlled electronically), brake-by-wire (pedal input interpreted electronically with hydraulic or electromechanical actuation), and steer-by-wire (the wheel sends digital commands to a steering actuator, often with a mechanical fail-safe). Shift-by-wire gear selectors and electronic parking brakes are also common “by-wire” features.

Cars that use steer-by-wire today

True steer-by-wire—where there’s no fixed mechanical linkage in normal operation—is still rare, but it’s on the road. Systems include robust redundancy and usually a mechanical fallback or fail-safe to meet safety standards.

• Infiniti Q50 (2014–present, Direct Adaptive Steering; availability varies by trim/market) and Infiniti Q60 (production through 2022) — production pioneer with electronic control and a mechanical backup clutch.
• Nissan Skyline (Japan-market twin of the Q50) — equipped with Direct Adaptive Steering in specified trims.
• Lexus RZ 450e — One Motion Grip steer-by-wire in select markets from 2024; U.S. availability rolls out with the 2025 model year (optional and market-dependent).
• Toyota bZ4X/Subaru Solterra — steer-by-wire announced for limited-market introduction starting in Japan, with broader roll-out planned in stages.

These deployments are still niche compared with other by-wire systems, but they’re expanding as automakers seek packaging efficiency, variable steering ratios, and ADAS/automation synergies.

Cars that use brake-by-wire (most hybrids and EVs, plus a growing number of ICE performance cars)

Brake-by-wire decouples pedal feel from hydraulic pressure, enabling smooth regeneration on electrified cars and faster, more predictive braking control. Most modern hybrids and EVs use an integrated electro-hydraulic unit (e.g., Bosch iBooster, Continental MK C1); many performance-oriented ICE models do too.

EVs and dedicated electrified platforms

The following representative models use brake-by-wire to blend regenerative and friction braking and to support advanced stability/traction systems.

• Tesla: Model 3, Model Y, Model S, Model X, Cybertruck
• Mercedes-EQ: EQS, EQE (and derivatives)
• Porsche Taycan; Audi e-tron GT and Q8 e-tron
• BMW i4, i5, i7, iX
• Volkswagen ID.3, ID.4, ID.7 (plus platform siblings)
• Ford Mustang Mach‑E, F‑150 Lightning
• GM Ultium family: Cadillac Lyriq; Chevrolet Blazer EV, Equinox EV, Silverado EV; GMC Hummer EV
• Hyundai/Kia/Genesis: Ioniq 5/6; Kia EV6, EV9; Genesis GV60 and Electrified G80/GV70
• Volvo/Polestar: EX30, EX90; XC40/C40 Recharge; Polestar 2, 3, 4
• Lucid Air, Gravity; Rivian R1T, R1S
• Nissan Leaf, Ariya; Jaguar I‑Pace; Toyota bZ4X/Subaru Solterra

In these vehicles, the pedal often sends an electronic signal to a control unit, which then apportions regen and hydraulic braking for consistent feel and efficiency.

Hybrids and many modern ICE performance cars

Brake-by-wire has long been used in hybrids (for regen blending) and is increasingly found in performance cars for sharper response and packaging benefits.

• Toyota hybrids: Prius (all generations), Corolla/Camry Hybrid, RAV4/Highlander Hybrid, and others using Toyota’s ECB (Electronically Controlled Braking)
• Honda: Accord Hybrid, CR‑V Hybrid
• Ford: Escape Hybrid, Maverick Hybrid
• Hyundai/Kia: Ioniq Hybrid, Tucson/Santa Fe Hybrid; Kia Niro/Sportage/Sorento Hybrid
• BMW plug‑in hybrids (e.g., 330e, 550e, X5 xDrive50e), Mercedes‑Benz plug‑in hybrids
• Porsche Cayenne and Panamera hybrids
• Chevrolet Corvette C8 (uses an e‑boost brake‑by‑wire system)
• Alfa Romeo Giulia/Stelvio (Integrated Brake System)
• Acura NSX (2017–2022) with electro‑servo regenerative braking

While implementations differ—from fully integrated brake modules to electro‑servo systems—the common thread is an electronic mediator between your foot and calipers, with hydraulic redundancy for safety.

Electronic throttle (throttle‑by‑wire): essentially universal

If your car is from roughly the mid‑2000s onward, it almost certainly uses electronic throttle control. That includes everyday models across every brand and segment.

• Mainstream examples: Toyota Corolla and RAV4; Honda Civic and CR‑V; Ford F‑150; Chevrolet Silverado; Volkswagen Golf and Tiguan; Hyundai Elantra and Tucson; Kia Forte and Sportage; Subaru Outback and Forester; Mazda3 and CX‑5; BMW 3 Series; Mercedes‑Benz C‑Class; and many more.

Automakers adopted throttle‑by‑wire to improve emissions, fuel economy, traction control, and adaptive cruise/ADAS integration.

Other by‑wire features you’re likely to find

Beyond the big three, most modern cars include additional electronically controlled systems that replace mechanical linkages.

• Shift‑by‑wire selectors (buttons or electronic levers/rotaries) across BMW, Mercedes‑Benz, Hyundai/Kia, Stellantis brands, Ford, GM, Volvo, and others
• Electronic parking brakes (EPB) on a majority of late‑model cars and crossovers
• Active suspensions and selectable drive modes that electronically alter damping, throttle mapping, and steering assistance

These technologies reduce packaging complexity, enable software updates, and support advanced driver-assistance features.

How to tell if your car uses drive‑by‑wire

Most owners can confirm by checking documentation and a few telltale hardware cues.

1. Look in the owner’s manual for terms like Electronic Throttle Control (ETC), Integrated Brake System, e‑Booster, brake‑by‑wire, or Direct Adaptive Steering/One Motion Grip.
2. Check the brake hardware: integrated master cylinder/booster units with electrical connectors typically indicate brake‑by‑wire.
3. Steering: if your model advertises steer‑by‑wire or variable ratio with a mechanical backup, it likely has a by‑wire system.
4. Shifter and parking brake: electronic selectors and EPB switches are by‑wire features.
5. Ask a dealer or consult a service manual by VIN for definitive confirmation.

Even if the car retains hydraulic components, the presence of electronic sensing/actuation in the control loop qualifies it as a by‑wire system.

Summary

In 2025, “which cars use drive‑by‑wire?” is mostly answered by “almost all of them”—at least for throttle, and very often for brakes. Fully steer‑by‑wire remains limited to models like the Infiniti Q50/Q60 family and the Lexus RZ (with market‑dependent availability), with Toyota/Subaru beginning limited rollouts on bZ4X/Solterra. If you drive a recent hybrid or EV, you almost certainly have brake‑by‑wire; if your car is newer than the mid‑2000s, you almost certainly have throttle‑by‑wire; and shift‑by‑wire and electronic parking brakes are now mainstream across the industry.

Which cars have fly-by-wire brakes?

Ford, General Motors, and most other manufacturers use the same general design, with the exception of Honda, who designed a notably different design. Brake-by-wire is used in most common hybrid and electric vehicles produced since 1998 including all Toyota, Ford, and General Motors Electric and hybrid models.

Are all cars drive-by-wire now?

While no full drive-by-wire vehicles exist, manufacturers like General Motors, Mazda, Toyota, Mercedes, and especially Tesla have been implementing drive-by-wire tech in their vehicles for years.

Do new cars have drive-by-wire?

What do cars like the Tesla Cybertruck, a Lexus RZ and most of Ferrari’s line-up have in common? They’re all production cars that use ‘drive-by-wire’ technology – engineering and software that enables control of a car’s movement without the need for a physical engineering.

What vehicles are drive-by-wire?

Drive-by-wire is a general automotive term encompassing electronic throttle control, brake-by-wire, and steer-by-wire systems. While most cars since the late 1980s have had drive-by-wire for the throttle, steer-by-wire and brake-by-wire are newer technologies found in some electric and hybrid models, including the Tesla Cybertruck, Chevrolet Silverado EV, Rolls-Royce Spectre, and Lexus RZ 450e. 
Drive-by-Wire for Throttle 

• What it is: Electronic throttle control, also known as “drive-by-wire,” eliminates the mechanical cable linking the accelerator pedal to the throttle body, replacing it with electronic sensors and actuators.
• Availability: This system has been standard in most vehicles since the late 1980s, including all hybrid and electric models, as well as many gasoline cars.

Steer-by-Wire Systems 

• What it is: Steer-by-wire removes the mechanical linkage between the steering wheel and the steering rack, relying on sensors and electronic motors to control the wheels.
• Notable vehicles:
  • Tesla Cybertruck: This vehicle uses a steer-by-wire system without a traditional steering column.
  • Rolls-Royce Spectre: Features a rear-axle steer-by-wire system with a conventional front-wheel steering column.
  • Lotus Eletre & GMC Hummer EV: Both use rear-axle steer-by-wire systems.
  • Chevrolet Silverado EV & Ford F-150 Lightning: These electric trucks also incorporate steer-by-wire technology.
  • Lexus RZ 450e: A planned production vehicle with a no-steering-column steer-by-wire system.
  • Toyota bZ4X & Geely Super Van: Also planned to feature no-steering-column steer-by-wire systems.

Brake-by-Wire Systems 

• What it is: Similar to other by-wire technologies, this system replaces the hydraulic brake system with electronic controls and electric motors.
• Availability: Widely used in most hybrid and electric vehicles produced since 1998, including models from Toyota, Ford, and General Motors.