Hyundai mobis has taken a step forward in the direction of electric vehicle handling. After showcasing a concept at CES 2018, the company has completed a working prototype of the smart wheel. Its characteristics are truly unique: it is an "all in one" wheel, which combines an internal steering, brake, electric traction and suspension system. Each wheel in such a system is the brain of the entire vehicle. The assembly promises to give vehicles the flexibility to maneuver freely around obstacles and exit sideways from even the tightest parking spaces.
A promise kept
When it first announced the e-Corner Module (this is the name of the system) in 2018, Hyundai Mobis expected to complete development by 2021. Mission accomplished: just this week it revealed the first fully developed working prototypes for the upcoming tests and refinements.
How does it work?
The e-Corner essentially “shatters” the traditional powertrain, transmission and engine construction, combining all acceleration, braking, suspension and steering functions into single-wheel units, positioned at the four corners of the vehicle. Mechanical connections for these systems are eliminated by digital “by-wire” control, which allows for all kinds of flexibility in design and simplifies maintenance and repairs.
The new e-Corner modules feature improved rotation compared to Hyundai's initial planes, offering all the 90 degrees needed for the vehicle to move sideways, or rotate in place. This capability will allow vehicles to cross and park in much tighter spaces and if Hyundai pairs the e-Corners with a range of articulated robotic legs, we will see how much vehicles can be on-road and off-road.
Hyundai Mobis plans to use e-corners with electric vehicles and says they are a cornerstone of Hyundai's purpose-built vehicle (PBV) plans as a key part of its smart city of the future. Self-driving multipurpose PBVs will be able to perform many types of specific mobility tasks, moving both people and goods.
Next steps for the smart wheel
Hyundai Mobis will now focus on developing a “platform” module for use with the e-Corner wheel by 2023, before packing everything for launch into a mobility solution in 2025. The company also plans to provide the “smart wheel” to customers who want to integrate it to convert their vehicles.
We'll see.
