At this year’s Consumer Electronics Show, Hyundai, the car manufacturer, introduced a new vehicle called the Ioniq 5. This car has a unique feature: its wheels can turn up to 90 degrees, which allows it to move sideways in a “crab” driving style.
The technology behind this innovation was developed by Hyundai Mobis, a part of the Hyundai Motor Group that makes car parts. They showcased this technology by demonstrating it live on the electric Ioniq 5 model during CES 2023.
Originally introduced as a concept at CES 2018, this new technology changes the way cars can move. It’s not just about moving forward and backward anymore, like regular cars. Now, the Ioniq 5 can move sideways and even diagonally.
This innovation relies on something called the “e-Corner module” or “e-Corner system.” This special system allows the car’s wheels to turn by 90 degrees, enabling sideways movement.
The “e-Corner module” is a sophisticated combination of steering, braking, suspension, and drive systems within each wheel, as Hyundai Mobis explains. Each wheel has its own electric motor and is connected to an advanced suspension system.
This setup lets the driver control each wheel independently, giving precise steering and dynamic control that was not possible before.
