Hyundai Ioniq 5 showcases the e-Corner Modules

At the 2023 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Hyundai Mobis, the spare parts and autonomous driving branch of Hyundai, showcased a truly remarkable in-wheel module that was installed on a prototype of the Ioniq 5. Dubbed the e-Corner, the module is a complete package containing an electric motor, electric damper, brake by wire, and steer by wire.

One of the key benefits of the e-Corner system is that it can be installed in a wide variety of plug-in electric vehicles without taking up extra space, making it a valuable tool for engineers designing these vehicles. The idea was first shown in 2018, but it has now been installed in all four corners of the more widely recognized Ioniq 5 EV.

In the video demonstration, the purpose-built vehicle is shown with the ability to spin all of its wheels by 90 degrees in the same direction. This enables the car to quickly enter and depart a parking spot that is parallel to itself.

However, this is just the beginning of the capabilities of the e-Corner system, as it can perform almost any action imaginable. The Ioniq 5 prototype is seen spinning all of its wheels at an angle of around 45 degrees, allowing the vehicle to rotate 360 degrees and enabling a smooth and quick zero-turn function.

The e-Corner system can also drive in a diagonal direction, much like the GMC Hummer EV, and it has a pivot feature that allows the rear wheels to spin through 90 degrees, giving the vehicle the ability to turn in a similar way to a forklift. This could have major implications for the way EVs are manufactured and assembled, making the process simpler and more efficient.

This technology is not new, however, as similar ideas were first seen in 1927 in Paris on a unique front-wheel drive vehicle. Additionally, in the 1930s, an American innovation known as "The Park-Car" was released which featured a fifth wheel in the rear that could descend to the ground for easier parking.

In conclusion, Hyundai Mobis has not released any further information about the e-Corner module, but it is clear that it has a tremendous potential to simplify the process of assembling EVs and provide drivers with increased agility. This cutting-edge technology is a testament to the forward-thinking nature of Hyundai and their commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible with electric vehicles.

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