Hyundai Mobis has announced the successful development of an in-wheel system that allows for direct motor control of each wheel. This cutting-edge technology, which has not been mass-produced anywhere else in the world, includes key components such as the drive motor and controller, which were developed in-house by Hyundai Mobis.
The in-wheel system is currently being verified for mass-production based on the IONIQ 5 with Hyundai Motor Company. The development of this technology began in 2010 in response to the emerging electric car market. The in-wheel motor requires a complex design process to place a powertrain on wheels and is seen as a technology that needs to overcome a series of challenges, including securing drive performance and durability.
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The key benefits of the in-wheel system include enhanced drive and power efficiency, longer cruising range, improved driving performance, and unique steer modes. Applying the in-wheel system in the vehicle maximizes drive efficiency without the need to install a separate power transmission component, such as a drive shaft. This also improves power efficiency.
In-wheel systems also improve the driving range of electric vehicles by freeing up space inside and allowing the vehicle to utilize the rooms for existing driving systems. The system also provides efficient torque distribution for each motor in a wheel, enabling optimum turns and body control. Hyundai Mobis has reportedly improved the turn movement and power efficiency by approximately 20% or more through efficient torque distribution in all four directions. Unique features like crab walking and zero turns are also available with the in-wheel system.
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The in-wheel motor is the key technology of the e-corner system, which Hyundai Mobis unveiled at CES 2023 based on the IONIQ 5. The e-corner system is an integrated solution that combines electronic steering, braking, and suspension technologies centered around the in-wheel motor. Hyundai Mobis is currently developing the e-Corner System by installing it in real cars with a goal of completing the development within the next five years.
Oh Heung-sub, executive vice president and head of electrification at Hyundai Mobis, said, “We plan to complete the development of this technology that is both durable and reliable so that we can begin mass-production of the in-wheel system by the end of this year. We will continue to idealize the technology to ready ourselves for the future of mobility.”
