The Hyundai Ioniq 5, Tesla Cybertruck and Hummer EV all have one thing in common.

Mobis, Hyundai’s division dedicated to spare parts and on-board technologies, introduces a new feature for the Ioniq 5. The electric compact can now move like a crab thanks to its 90-degree rotating wheels. But so far, nothing has been said about the serial marketing of this prototype.

It has been almost two years since the February 2021 launch of the Hyundai Ioniq 5. The brand’s first 100% electric model since the Ioniq, also available in standard and plug-in hybrid, the compact model is still talked about and doesn’t suffer. the passage of time. Last June, the manufacturer specifically offered compatibility with remote OTA (over-the-air) updates. But that’s not all.

A practical solution

Hyundai was indeed present at CES, opening its doors in Las Vegas from January 5-8 through its subsidiary Mobis. Founded in 1977 and little known to the general public, the company forms the “auto parts and service” pillar of the Korean brand, as well as Kia. supply of spare parts and technologies such as semi-autonomous driving. But if he is talking about him today, it is for a new kind of innovation.

Indeed, Hyundai’s division went to the US with an amazing technology called e-Corner in its suitcases. As detailed in a YouTube video, this makes parking easier, especially thanks to the crab action. In effect, the car has four steering wheels that can be placed at an angle of 90 degrees.

But that’s not all, because with this device, the car can also turn on its head. A feature reminiscent of the Rivian R1T, which has a technology called Tank Turn and works similarly. Nevertheless, the brand filed a patent describing a new version that solves some of the problems of the old one. Mercedes will offer a similar system in the future 100% electric EQG.

Towards series production?

So how does this technology work? For now, Mobis is not too vocal about this e-Corner system, content to demonstrate its many features in a video. But the American site InsideEVs explains it and gives us some details this device works with module an electric motor and shock absorber, as well as brakes and steering that work electronically.

So, e-Corner can be installed on any electric vehicle. The technology, reminiscent of that offered by the Hummer EV later on, also has a rather impressive crab mode. This also applies to the Tesla Cybertruck, which, as announced by Elon Musk, should start production within the year. And also the new YangWang U8, an unusual electric SUV from the Chinese giant BYD. This reminds us of Lightyear 0’s four electric motors.

But the features in all its cars are less impressive and less capable than Hyundai’s technology. Reason: the wheels cannot turn 90°.

But not all of these cars are the first to be equipped with this technology. Indeed, the idea dates back to 1927, when the automobile was installed Two front wheels that can rotate 90 degrees to facilitate parking. The 1930s also featured a system that could be installed on any car in the form of a rear-mounted wheel that allowed the car to stop more efficiently.

Now it remains to be seen whether e-Corner will one day come to the Ioniq 5, for example, as an option. Thus, this device could eventually replace or complement rear steering wheels. We imagine quite a remote update after this technology is sufficiently democratized, it allows you to use the crab mode installed on all previously produced cars. Solving the problem of parking electric vehicles, sometimes more difficult to park than their thermal equivalents.