At this year’s Consumer Electronics Show, Hyundai, the car manufacturer, has unveiled the Ioniq 5, a vehicle equipped with wheels capable of rotating up to 90 degrees, enabling it to execute sideways “crab” driving maneuvers.
The technology, developed by Hyundai Mobis, the car parts production arm of Hyundai Motor Group, was showcased through a live demonstration on the electric Ioniq 5 model during CES 2023. It cost estimated $43,000.
Initially introduced as a concept at CES 2018, this innovation revolutionizes vehicular movement by enabling the vehicle to not only move forward and backward like traditional cars but also to maneuver sideways and diagonally.
The mechanism is based on the integration of a mobility system known as the “e-Corner module” or “e-Corner system.” This inventive technology permits the vehicle to execute lateral movement by rotating its wheels by 90 degrees.
The “e-Corner module” is a sophisticated fusion of steering, braking, suspension, and drive systems within each wheel, as explained by Hyundai Mobis. Each wheel is equipped with an independent electric motor and is connected to an innovative suspension system. This design empowers the driver to control each wheel separately, thereby allowing for unparalleled steering precision and dynamic control.
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