Hyundai Ioniq 5: A Crab Mode Soon?
The electrification of automobiles allows engineers to develop new technologies and sometimes rather unusual gadgets, such as the crab mode found on this prototype of the Ioniq 5.
Hyundai is not the first manufacturer to offer such a feature, which is also available on the Hummer EV and the Mercedes EQG. However, the Hyundai Mobis firm, which is responsible for the project, has taken the concept even further with the Ioniq 5.
The small SUV from the Korean manufacturer is capable of performing a 360-degree turn in place, which is simply astonishing. As far as we know, the system that Hyundai calls "e-corner" would also allow equipped vehicles to move laterally.
Is it really necessary?
It's quite impressive to see a vehicle move in all sorts of directions, but one can legitimately wonder if there is an application for this kind of system beyond the spectacle. The answer is clearly yes. We have all experienced being stuck in a narrow street or parking lot at some point. You know as well as I do that a three-point turn is far from ideal in such a situation. We could also say goodbye to parallel parking thanks to such a system. In short, you'll understand that Hyundai Mobis' e-corner could have a wide range of practical applications.
E-corner
The E-Corner system allows each wheel to move independently of the others. Thanks to this freedom, the vehicle can move diagonally, but also laterally, which Hyundai calls crab mode. However, the most unusual function remains the 360-degree turn or Zero Turn, as the Korean manufacturer named it. The vehicle can even pivot on itself while keeping two wheels straight. To be honest, I have trouble imagining in what situation such a function could be useful, but it is still very impressive to see.
Coming soon to your Hyundai vehicle?
For now, the Korean manufacturer has not mentioned anything about offering its e-corner system on a production model. Hyundai Mobis has been working on the development of this technology for nearly 5 years, which could make life easier for many drivers in various scenarios.
Hyundai is a leader in technologies, as we have seen with the parking assist function that allows you to move your vehicle forward and backward even when you are outside it. Therefore, I believe it is only a matter of time before the e-corner system finds its way into the brand's electric production models.
Jean-Sébastien Poudrier
Tags: Hummer, Hyundai, Hyundai IONIQ 5
Author: Jean-Sébastien Poudrier
