- Technology allows independent control of all four wheels, not yet mass-produced by the automotive industry.
- The aim of the new system is to increase energy efficiency by reducing steering (or driving) system components and driving performance by controlling all four wheels independently.
- The “In-wheel” System is the future mobility solution, essential for the e-Corner module, which allows ‘Zero Spin’ – when the drive wheels turn at the same rate in the opposite direction) also for the car to go sideways (Crab Walk).
Mobis is testing the “in-wheel” system based on the IONIQ 5. (Photo: Disclosure)
The Hyundai Mobis in-wheel system is equipped in the e-Corner system – an integrated solution that combines electronic steering, braking and suspension technologies centered around the new in-wheel motor (Photo: Disclosure)
On March 20th, Hyundai Mobis announced the development of the in-wheel system, which allows the engine to directly control each wheel. The key technologies for the new system include the traction motor and the controller – the technology was created in-house by Mobis in South Korea.
The in-wheel system is the latest technology, with no plans yet for mass production anywhere in the world. Hyundai Mobis is currently verifying its feasibility for industrial production, based on the IONIQ 5 with Hyundai Motor Company.
Hyundai Mobis began developing the in-wheel system in 2010 in response to the electric car market. The in-wheel motor requires a complex design process to put a powertrain on wheels. The system is seen as a technology that needs to overcome a number of challenges, including ensuring traction performance and durability.
The main highlights of the new on-wheel system are improved traction and power efficiency, speed control, improved driving performance, and unique driving modes. Applying the system at the vehicle’s wheels means maximizing traction efficiency without the need to install a separate power transmission component, such as a driveshaft – the component that transmits torque to the wheels.
In addition, the on-wheel systems improve electric vehicle driving with safe battery capacity, free up space inside and allow the vehicle to use the rooms for the existing driving system, and provide efficient distribution for each motor at a wheel, allowing optimal cornering and rear control.
On average, Hyundai Mobis has improved turning movement and energy efficiency by approximately 20% or more through efficient distribution in all four directions – unique features such as crabbing (riding sideways) and zero turns are also available with the in-wheel system.
The in-wheel motor is the key technology of the e-Corner system. Hyundai Mobis unveils the IONIQ 5-based e-Corner at CES 2023 – an integrated solution that combines the technologies of electronic steering, brakes and suspension centered around the in-wheel motor. Hyundai Mobis is currently developing the e-Corner system by installing it in real cars with the goal of completing the development within the next five years.
Executive Vice President and Head of Electrification at Hyundai Mobis, Oh Heung-sub, said, “We plan to complete the development of this technology, which is both durable and viable, so that we can start mass production of the In-wheel system by the end of this year. We will continue to ideate the technology to prepare for the future of mobility.”
The in-wheel system is not scheduled for the Brazilian automotive market.
About Hyundai Mobis
Founded in 1977, Hyundai Mobis is a Hyundai Group company that manufactures automotive parts based in Seoul, South Korea. By offering high-quality products, technologies, and services, Hyundai Mobis has strengthened its position in the automotive parts industry to become the seventh largest global automotive parts supplier in 2018. Hyundai Mobis currently has more than 30,000 employees, with more than two-thirds of that total located outside Korea in subsidiaries around the world. In Brazil, Hyundai Mobis had its plant established in the year 2012 in the Piracicaba Automotive Park (SP), starting its activities in September of the same year. With over 600 employees, Hyundai Mobis has two operational and one administrative unit in the country.
About Hyundai Motor Brasil/ Hyundai Motor Central & South Americas
Hyundai Motor Brasil has been present in the country since 2012, when it opened its plant in Piracicaba (SP). With 2,800 employees, it is responsible for manufacturing and marketing the HB20 compact vehicle family and the Creta compact SUV. From Brazil, the brand coordinates commercial operations for the Central and South American region and exports to neighboring countries such as Argentina, Colombia, Paraguay, and Uruguay. To learn more about Hyundai and its products in Brazil, access www.hyundai.com.br. Also follow the day to day of the brand on social networks: Facebook (www.facebook.com/hyundaibr), Instagram (www.instagram.com/hyundaibr) and LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com/company/hyundai-motor-brasil/mycompany), and on YouTube (www.youtube.com/hyundaibr).
About Hyundai Motor Company
Founded in 1967, Hyundai Motor Company is present in more than 200 countries with about 120,000 employees dedicated to addressing mobility challenges worldwide. Based on the brand vision “Progress for Humanity,” Hyundai Motor is accelerating its transformation into an intelligent mobility solutions provider. The company invests in advanced technologies such as robotics and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) to bring revolutionary solutions, while looking for open innovation to develop future mobility services. Seeking a sustainable future for the world, Hyundai will continue to employ its efforts to introduce zero-emission vehicles equipped with the highest technology in electrification, leading the hydrogen fuel cell industry. More information about Hyundai Motor Company and its products can be found at worldwide.hyundai.com or globalpr.hyundai.com.