At CES 2024, Hyundai Mobis, the Korean automotive giant, sent shockwaves through the industry with the unveiling of MOBION, a groundbreaking electric vehicle (EV) showcasing the revolutionary “e-Corner System” technology. Beyond static displays, attendees were treated to a thrilling live demonstration of MOBION’s unique abilities, including sideways movement, diagonal driving, and stationary pivot turns.
Spearheading this innovation was Vice President Lee Seung-Hwan, Head of Advanced Engineering at Hyundai Mobis. He declared, “MOBION is the culmination of our core technologies, all poised for immediate mass production. We want to shift the mobility paradigm, and MOBION is our calling card.”
But how does MOBION achieve such remarkable feats? The secret lies in the e-Corner System, which grants independent control of each wheel. This system is comprised of four key technologies, with the “In-Wheel” technology as its beating heart.
“Instead of a single large motor, we placed four smaller motors inside each wheel,” explained Vice President Lee Young-kook, Head of Electrification Lab. “This liberates each wheel, allowing it to generate power and steer independently.”
The e-Corner System seamlessly integrates braking, steering, and suspension functions within the wheel itself. This groundbreaking setup underwent successful on-road testing in 2023, marking a global first.
Beyond the e-Corner System, MOBION boasts cutting-edge autonomous driving and lamp technologies. Three LiDAR sensors enhance lateral movement and object recognition during maneuvers, while the new “Exterior Lighting” lamp with LED displays on the front bumper elevates safety and aesthetics.
Further enhancing MOBION’s capabilities is the “Ground Projection” function. This innovative system projects the vehicle’s intended direction of travel onto the ground using lights, particularly helpful during diagonal or lateral movements. With this feature, MOBION can effectively communicate its path to pedestrians and other road users.
The name “MOBION” itself is a fusion of “Mobis” and “on,” symbolizing the company’s commitment to leading the charge in electric vehicle electrification. By showcasing a fully functional demonstration car at CES, Mobis aims to bridge the gap between theoretical technology and real-world application, paving the way for a future of electrifying mobility.