The tension of close parallelism parking or U-turns could become a thing of the past if technology like Hyundai’s Mobis e-Corner becomes mainstream.
First announced in 2018, the e-Corner is a single unit that combines suspension, steering, steering and braking functions and is small enough to fit inside the hub of a conventional vehicle.
Because the e-Corner relies on an in-wheel motor instead of a driven axle, the wheel can be turned 90 degrees, resulting in impressive maneuverability.
Hyundai Mobis, Hyundai parts and accessories, recently demonstrated this maneuverability in a Hyundai Ioniq 5. A video shows four different moves: Crab Driving, Zero Turn, Diagonal Driving and Pivot Turn.
In Crab Driving mode, the vehicle moves sideways, which would make parallel parks a breeze. Zero Turn allows the vehicle to make a full 360-degree turn in one spot, ideal for reversing, while Pivot Turn allows the front of the vehicle to stay in one spot and the rear to rotate around the spot. Diagonal driving is the same as a The Crab Walk was featured in the GMC Hummer EVwhere the vehicle moves diagonally.
Hyundai Mobis has not announced plans for a production version of the e-Corner, although there is a chance that it will be used in future robotaxis, as the extra maneuverability would be ideal in busy urban environments where robotaxis is best suited.
Hyundai Mobis presented its robotaxi concept called M.Vision To, equipped with e-Corner technology. last week’s 2023 CES. Hyundai Mobis said a vehicle similar to the M.Vision To could be used for freight or cargo.
One of the first buyers of a vehicle similar to the M.Vision To may even be Hyundai. The automaker has a self-driving technology joint venture with Aptiv, which plans to launch a robotaxi service starting later this year in Las Vegas.
This article was originally published by Motor Vehicle Authority, editorial partner ClassicCars.com.
