Hyundai Mobis, the innovation and technology development branch of Hyundai, has introduced its latest breakthrough in automotive interior design – the ‘Parabolic Motion’ glovebox for electric vehicles (EVs). This new glovebox design takes advantage of the unique packaging possibilities presented by EVs, offering increased storage capacity and improved safety features.
While gloveboxes are often overlooked as mundane components of a car, insufficient interior storage can be a hindrance, especially in family-oriented vehicles like the forthcoming Kia EV9 SUV. However, the ‘Parabolic Motion’ glovebox promises to address this issue, setting it apart as a standout feature in the upcoming EV9 SUV.
Inspired by aircraft overhead bins, the new glovebox boasts a generous capacity of over eight liters (nearly 0.3 cubic feet), making it approximately 45% larger than traditional gloveboxes found in internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.
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The key advantage of this design lies in the absence of an engine and related components in the front of the vehicle, which allowed Hyundai to pioneer a more spacious storage area. However, the innovation goes beyond size; the glovebox’s name, ‘Parabolic Motion,’ alludes to its unique opening trajectory, resembling that of an overhead airplane luggage compartment. Unlike conventional gloveboxes with simple rotations or covers, this design ensures that items can be retrieved more easily, enhancing practicality and convenience.
Moreover, Hyundai emphasizes that the ‘Parabolic Motion’ glovebox’s opening mechanism contributes to improved safety. When the glovebox lid is open, instances of knee collisions are reduced, adding an additional layer of protection for passengers.
Hyundai Mobis sees this glovebox as a step towards “space innovation,” recognizing the evolving demands of the future automotive market. Electric powertrains offer automakers new opportunities to optimize car interiors, as evident from the absence of transmission or driveshaft tunnels in EVs, allowing for a flat floor layout with increased space for occupants or innovative storage solutions.
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Outside the passenger compartment, larger frunks – front trunks – have gained popularity, particularly in vehicles like the Ford F-150 Lightning, where this space is equipped with various useful features.
Choi Jae-seob, Head of the Trim Module Engineering Sector at Hyundai Mobis, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to prioritizing user experience through bespoke technologies. Hyundai Mobis actively encourages employees to submit their ideas, resulting in a collection of over 3,200 ideas as of the first half of 2023. Noteworthy innovations that emerged from this approach include the e-Corner System for the Ioniq 5, allowing the car to ‘crab walk,’ and a novel headlight that can project virtual pedestrian crossings on dark roads.
The ‘Parabolic Motion’ glovebox is a testament to Hyundai Mobis’ ongoing pursuit of innovation in the automotive industry, enhancing both practicality and safety in the next generation of electric vehicles. As the market for EVs continues to grow, such advancements are likely to shape the future of car interiors, offering users a more comfortable and functional driving experience.
