Hyundai’s e-Corner tech can turn wheels 90 degrees
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Hyundai’s Mobis division has revealed a new prototype version of the Hyundai IONIQ 5 that includes its own e-Corner technology.
The e-Corner steering system allows the wheels to rotate 90 degrees which means that the IONIQ 5 can turn 360 degrees on the spot. EVs have less restrictive packaging requirements than standard ICE cars and can take advantage of more experimental driving features as a result.
Mobis is Hyundai’s smart technology and autonomous driving division that’s responsible for developing innovative new features for the South Korean manufacturer’s vehicles. Often these features are merely concept ideas, however, the e-Corner tech showcased on the IONIQ 5 is a tangible example of what the division can achieve.
Each wheel has a motor, electronic damper and brake controlled by a steer-by-wire system that's electronically linked to the steering wheel. This gives each wheel complete independence which means the IONIQ 5 prototype can pivot and move in several new ways.
a ‘crab driving’ mode can turn the wheels 90 degrees allowing the car to drive completely sideways - a feature that would make parallel parking much simpler. A ‘zero turn’ moves the wheels into the same position but instead drives the front and rear wheels in opposite directions causing the car to turn on the spot. This would remove the need to do awkward three-point turns.
Drivers will also have the option to pivot on just the front or rear wheels as well as the ability to drive diagonally.
Technology like this could be very useful for parking in tight spots and Mobis has proved that its e-Corner steering system is can work on EVs. Whether or not we’ll see technology like this on production EVs anytime soon though is another question.