The stress of tight parallel parking or making a U-turn could become a thing of the past if technology like the e-Corner from Hyundai Mobis becomes mainstream.
First announced in 2018, the e-Corner is a single unit that combines suspension, steering, driving, and braking functions, and is small enough to fit in the wheel hub of a conventional vehicle.
Because the e-Corner relies on an in-wheel motor for drive power, as opposed to a driven axle, the wheel can be turned up to 90 degrees, resulting in impressive maneuverability.
Hyundai Mobis, the parts and accessories arm of Hyundai, recently demonstrated this maneuverability in a Hyundai Ioniq 5. A video shows four types of motion: Crab Driving, Zero Turn, Diagonal Driving, and Pivot Turn.
In Crab Driving, the vehicle drives sideways, which would make parallel parks a breeze. Zero Turn allows the vehicle to complete a full 360-degree turn on a spot, ideal for U-turns, while Pivot Turn lets the front of the vehicle remain on a spot and the rear rotate around the spot. Diagonal Driving is the same as the Crab Walk featured in the GMC Hummer EV, where the vehicle moves in a diagonal motion.
Hyundai Mobis hasn’t announced plans for a production version of the e-Corner, though there’s a chance it will be used in future robotaxis, as the extra maneuverability would be ideal in busy urban environments where robotaxis are best suited.
Hyundai Mobis M.Vision To concept
Hyundai Mobis presented a concept robotaxi called M.Vision To fitted with e-Corner technology during last week’s 2023 CES. Hyundai Mobis said a vehicle like the M.Vision To could be used to offer rides or deliver cargo.
One of the first customers for a vehicle like the M.Vision To may even be Hyundai. The automaker has a self-driving technology joint venture with Aptiv that plans to launch a robotaxi service starting in Las Vegas later this year.
