Hyundai Mobis demonstrates next-generation E-Corner system
The automotive supplier first presented the E-Corner module, which integrates the steering, braking, suspension and electric drive systems in one wheel, in autumn 2021. In the Mobion concept car based on the Hyundai Ioniq 5, which has now been demonstrated at the trade fair in Las Vegas, the four wheels are controlled individually to enable lateral movements, diagonal driving and turning. In other words, the Mobion can drive forwards and backwards, as well as sideways and diagonally.
According to Hyundai Mobis, the driving characteristics of the e-Corner system were successfully tested on the road in 2023. Previously, test vehicles equipped with the new drive system were only driven on closed-off terrain. The Koreans have not yet provided performance data for the E-Corner drive in the Mobion concept car. The US portal CNET published a video from the CES stating that the system is still at an early stage of development. It is unlikely to be ready for series production before 2025.
Incidentally, the e-Corner module is not the only e-drive innovation being worked on within the Hyundai Group. At the end of November 2023, Hyundai and Kia presented the so-called ‘Universal Wheel Drive System’ (Uni Wheel for short), in which the electric drive is also positioned close to the wheel – the central axle motor is no longer required. However, the Uni Wheel uses a conventional suspension and does not have a steering angle of 90 degrees per wheel – there is also a drive shaft to prevent this. The e-Corner modules go a decisive step further here.
“The MOBION represents the embodiment of Hyundai Mobis’ core technologies, all of which are ready for immediate mass production,” said Lee Seung-Hwan, Vice President and Head of Advanced Engineering at Hyundai Mobis. “Always striving to shift the mobility paradigm with vehicles, Mobis created MOBION to showcase our key products and capabilities.”
In addition to the in-wheel technology of the e-Corner modules, the Mobion also features new sensor and lighting technology for autonomous driving. The vehicle is equipped with lidar sensors (two near the headlights, one in the centre of the front) to detect the vehicle’s lateral and diagonal movements. With the innovative exterior lighting, the concept vehicle should be able to indicate the exact direction of travel to pedestrians at junctions, for example – in the case of diagonal or lateral movements, the direction of travel of the vehicle can be projected onto the ground. Alternatively, the technology can be used to create a zebra crossing for pedestrians.
0 Comments