Hyundai Mobis has introduced a concept based on the all-electric Ioniq 5 CUV. The car received a set of experimental wheels capable of rotating 90 degrees, enabling sideways movement in tight spots.
More accurately, the so-called “e-corner” is a module consisting of a car wheel, an independent drive, all the necessary suspension parts, and brakes. Hyundai Mobis had shown us the e-corner system before, but only in individual parts or otherwise only on one axle. This is the first time the company filmed a car with all four wheels replaced.
When the wheels rotate 90 degrees, the Ioniq 5 can move laterally from its position, greatly simplifying parallel parking. The typical parallel parking spot is just barely larger than the car itself, the engineers claim. When you turn the wheels 45 degrees to one side at the front and the other side at the rear, the car will be able to make a standing turn in the direction its front wheels are facing.
The advantages of this technology for urban drivers are all but obvious, but Hyundai Mobis is reluctant to give us any estimates on when – or if – it may reach the mass market.