The Geely EX5 electric crossover got independent four-wheel 90-degree steering as the Chinese automaker revealed the self-developed driving unit. It allows turning around on the spot, parking in narrow spaces, and performing omnidirectional driving.
On December 12, Geely Automobile officials shared a video of the new self-developed driving unit technology. It adopts electric motors integrated directly into the wheels. This technology was implemented on the Geely EX5 electric crossover prototype.
More about the new technology
The new driving unit is the core element of Geely’s new technology. It could be controlled with a special glove. In the future, this glove will be replaced by a smartphone or a smartwatch. They will allow the owner to control the car, moving it to a voluntary position.
In a video shared by Geely, four driving units were integrated directly into wheels. This architecture has independent 90-degree steering capability for all four wheels. As a result, the Geely EX5 prototype is able to turn around on the spot. The car can park in narrow spaces and depart from them. The wheels of the front and rear axles of the EV can turn and drive in independent directions.
The new tech supports the crab driving mode, when the car moves sideways. Geely officials shared that this driving unit ensures the car’s stability on slippery roads and strong winds. However, it wasn’t disclosed when this technology will be applied to mass-produced EVs.
Currently, we can highlight one drawback of this system. The wheel arches of the car’s rear axle were seemingly increased to fit 90-degree-rotated rims. This can result in a significant reduction in the interior space of the car. Windows of the Geely EX5 prototype were covered with black film. CarNewsChina reckons that the automaker might have removed rear seats from the cabin.
Briefly about the Geely EX5
The Geely EX5 is an all-electric crossover that became the spearhead of the company’s latest overseas strategy. It stands on the GEA modular architecture. Dimensions of this model are 4615/1901/1670 mm with a wheelbase of 2,750 mm. The Geely EX5 adopts a single e-motor in the front axle with a peak power output of 160 kW (215 hp). It is powered by a single battery for 60.2 kWh. It is enough for a cruising range of 267 miles (430 km) under WLTP conditions.
The Geely EX5 sells in China under the Geely Galaxy E5 name. Its domestic price range is 107,800 – 179,800 yuan ( USD). It is worth noting that the Malaysian car maker Proton manufactures the Geely EX5 as the Proton eMas 7.
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