At this year’s CES in Las Vegas, a modern marvel was displayed in the form of the Hyundai Mobion. The car wowed the crowd with its impressive abilities, ability to turn wheels 90 degrees and make perfect diagonal and pirouette maneuvers. The technology made gearheads gasp in astonishment, as this level of control and agility in cars was previously unprecedented.
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The most remarkable part of this display was not only that the technology was there, but that it’s nearly ready for practical use. Hyundai Mobis, the company behind the Mobion concept, aims to complete the e-Corner system’s development by 2025, after which it will make it available for other car manufacturers to implement. Kia, another member of the Hyundai Motor Group, is already exploring how this tech can be deployed in their future autonomous delivery vehicles.
The e-Corner system offers a wealth of advantages for regular drivers like us. One of its most powerful applications could be in commercial vehicles like robotic delivery vans where it’s set to take center stage. The technology can even allow electric vehicles to execute a smooth 180-degree spin if each corner is equipped with the technology.
Some electric cars currently use their electric motors and more limited four-wheel steering setups to pull off unorthodox maneuvers. For instance, the GMC Hummer EV pickup can drive on a slight diagonal thanks to its rear-wheel steering. But fully autonomous vehicles will likely be the ones to best take advantage of the freedom and maneuverability provided by the e-Corner system.
While this cutting-edge technology and impressive performance capabilities are undoubtedly exciting, it might just be a bit too overwhelming to control for regular passenger cars. Thus, for now, we can only dream of a future where cars dance like crabs and pirouette like ballerinas. Contact the author: tim.levin@insideevs.com