Hyundai Mobis In-Wheel Drive System Could See Mass-Production By 2028

Hyundai Mobis, the parts and service arm of Hyundai Motor Company, Genesis Motors, and Kia Motors, has announced the development of an in-wheel system that would allow the motor to operate each wheel directly. Hyundai Mobis developed the core technology for the in-wheel system in-house, including the drive motor and the controller.

The in-wheel system is a cutting-edge technology that has yet to be mass-produced anywhere globally. Hyundai Mobis is now working with Hyundai Motor Corporation to validate its reliability for mass production on the demo vehicle, a Hyundai IONIQ 5.

In response to the emerging electric car industry, Hyundai Mobis began developing the in-wheel system in 2010. To mount a powertrain on wheels, an in-wheel motor necessitates a sophisticated design process. It is viewed as a technology that must overcome a number of obstacles, such as ensuring drive performance and durability.

The in-wheel system's key features include greater drive and power economy, a longer cruising range, improved driving performance, and unique steer modes. Using an in-wheel system in a vehicle implies increasing drive efficiency without the need for a separate power transmission component, such as a drive shaft. This will also increase energy efficiency.

Furthermore, in-wheel technologies extend the driving range of electric vehicles by freeing up the inner space that would usually be required by the traditional drive systems which can be used to increase the battery size. Moreover, the technology delivers effective torque distribution for each motor in a wheel while allowing for optimal turns and body control resulting in a power economy of 20% or more. Furthermore, the in-wheel system also has unique characteristics such as crab walking and zero rotations.

The key technology of the e-corner system which we covered during its launch in CES 2023. The e-corner system is a comprehensive solution that integrates electronic steering, braking, and suspension technologies centred on the in-wheel motor. However, Hyundai Mobis is now installing the technology in real-world vehicles, with the intention of finishing development within the next five years.