this make manual steering rack easier to use b/c arm strength is better optimized, which helps cut mass and cost of steering assist module.
bike pedals maybe more efficient than than rack and pinon steering wheel while being less strange, but i think the above steering method will be easy to learn and more worth it.
pedals?:
Current Steering wheel is doesn't allow wrapping around with hand for strong grip on wheel against things pushing wheel in a unwanted steering position ex. A big bump/pothole on road(unless steering is totally steer by wire, even then its important to have a ergonomic grip to make it easier to make more careful input movements for precise control over car for safety. it also improves driving range and battery life too b/c its better to handle a turn with minimum braking for minimum energy loss and battery usage in driving through a turn vs relying more on regenerative braking )