Hyundai Mobis unveiled the MOBION, a prototype vehicle equipped with its next-generation electric vehicle drive technology known as the e-corner system, at CES 2024.
The company has named this prototype “MOBION” to signify the implementation of core technologies that can be ordered immediately from global clients in vehicle form. Hyundai Mobis, which has been showcasing mobility trends through concept cars, created the MOBION to intuitively convey its core products to clients and visitors. During the exhibition, attendees can experience the MOBION first-hand by riding it and trying out parallel driving, spot rotations, and diagonal driving.
The name MOBION combines “Mobis” and the English word “on,” indicating a start. It embodies Hyundai Mobis’s determination to redefine and lead mobility centered on electrification, showcasing confidence in its core electric technology by presenting a working prototype rather than just a concept car.
Hyundai Mobis adorned its exhibition with the theme of “Redefining Movement” and differentiated the space into a public zone where visitors can ride the MOBION and a private zone for inviting clients to introduce core technologies. Through this approach, it aims to familiarize attendees with the Hyundai Mobis brand while also pursuing tangible order activities targeting North American clients.
During the CES period, global clients continually visit the Hyundai Mobis booth, demonstrating high interest. The new CEO, Lee Kyu-seok, along with the headquarters sales team and dedicated personnel for North American clients, has made a significant presence.
For crab walking, diagonal driving, and spot rotations to be possible, each wheel must be controlled individually. For instance, aligning the front wheels in a ‘S’ shape while turning the rear wheels in the opposite direction (V shape) allows the vehicle to rotate 180 degrees on the spot.
The e-corner system consists of four major technologies. The core element is the in-wheel motor, which is responsible for the driving force of electric vehicles. Lee Young-guk, head of the electrification lab at Hyundai Mobis, explained, “The in-wheel technology places four small motors inside each wheel instead of a single large drive motor used in conventional electric vehicles, allowing each wheel to generate independent force.”
Hyundai Mobis has developed the e-corner system by integrating braking, steering, and suspension functions within the in-wheel motor. The advanced control technology needed to integrate these functions is already in place. Last year, Hyundai Mobis became the first in the world to successfully operate the e-corner system on public roads.
Lee Seung-hwan, head of the advanced research sector at Hyundai Mobis, introduced the e-corner system, stating, “It reduces the physical connections between mechanical components, making vehicle design more advantageous,” adding that its initial application is expected to focus more on purpose-built vehicles (PBVs) rather than the passenger car market.
In addition to the e-corner system, the MOBION captured attention with its autonomous driving sensors and advanced lighting technology. It effectively showcased Hyundai Mobis’s main portfolio in a manner that is easy for attendees to understand.
For its autonomous driving sensors, the MOBION is equipped with three LiDARs: two short-range LiDARs positioned at the left and right headlamp locations and a long-range LiDAR in the center front. The short-range LiDAR is utilized for crab and diagonal driving.
Moreover, Hyundai Mobis has introduced advanced exterior lighting and display capabilities, significantly enhancing safety and design features with LED lights installed in the front bumper.
For example, when the short-range LiDAR detects a pedestrian, it demonstrates the direction of crossing on the front bumper. The rear bumper can also convey the message to stay in the lane or pass carefully if a pedestrian is detected crossing to the left or right.
The new ground projection function also debuted. Thanks to the e-corner system, parallel driving becomes possible, allowing the vehicle to further indicate the direction of travel. It can project directional information around the 360-degree floor of the MOBION or even create crosswalk lines when pedestrians are detected.
By Jung, Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr