German auto component manufacturer ZF has developed a new technology that allows cars to turn within a narrow radius, potentially making parallel parking and turning around in small spaces much easier for drivers. A video recently emerged online showing a BMW i3 electric hatchback almost turning on a dime, thanks to this technology. Dubbed the Easy Turn Strut, the technology is a strut suspension axle that can reduce a car’s turning radius to as little as 5,700 mm when equipped with a rear-wheel steering system. The front wheels can turn at up to 80 degrees, eliminating the need for three-point turns in congested parking spots. Even in cars without rear-wheel steering, the technology can lower the turning radius to 6,800 mm, which is still significantly better than the average turning radius of a vehicle. The technology works best in rear-wheel drive pure electric cars, as they don’t have an engine or other mechanical parts between the front wheels. This development is part of ongoing research by automakers to solve the challenges of parking in congested areas. Other technologies, such as crab walking, have also been introduced by automakers to address this issue. Hyundai has showcased its Ioniq 5 performing the crab walk for parking in tight spaces, and the GMC Hummer EV also features a similar technology. Overall, ZF’s Easy Turn Strut technology has the potential to greatly improve maneuverability in congested areas and make parking in tight spaces much more convenient for drivers.
What are the advantages of utilizing Easy Turn Strut technology in rear-wheel drive pure electric cars for navigation in tight spaces
German auto component manufacturer ZF has revolutionized the way cars maneuver in tight spots with their groundbreaking Easy Turn Strut technology. This innovation allows vehicles to turn within a remarkably narrow radius, facilitating parallel parking and turning around in small spaces with unparalleled ease.
A recent viral video showcased the impressive capabilities of this technology, featuring a BMW i3 electric hatchback executing a near-perfect, sharp turn thanks to the Easy Turn Strut. By utilizing a strut suspension axle, this breakthrough system can reduce a car’s turning radius to as little as 5,700 mm when equipped with a rear-wheel steering system. Incredibly, the front wheels can now turn at an impressive 80-degree angle, eliminating the need for cumbersome three-point turns in crowded parking spots.
Even in cars without rear-wheel steering, the Easy Turn Strut technology is still highly effective, reducing the turning radius to 6,800 mm. This is a significant improvement compared to the average turning radius of traditional vehicles. Although the technology can be applied to various car models, it works best in rear-wheel drive pure electric cars, as they lack an engine or other mechanical parts between the front wheels.
The development of the Easy Turn Strut aligns with the ongoing research efforts of automakers to tackle the challenges of parking in congested areas. To address this issue, other advanced technologies, such as crab walking, have also been introduced by leading automakers. Hyundai’s Ioniq 5, for instance, showcases its impressive crab walk maneuver ability for parking in tight spaces. Similarly, the GMC Hummer EV features a similar technology.
ZF’s Easy Turn Strut technology has the potential to revolutionize maneuverability in congested areas, making parking in tight spaces significantly more convenient for drivers. With its ability to enhance a car’s turning capabilities, this groundbreaking innovation will undoubtedly make parallel parking and turning around in cramped spaces a breeze.
The BMW i3 EV’s Easy Turn Strut Technology truly takes maneuverability to a whole new level. With its seamless and effortless turning capabilities, navigating tight spaces has never been easier. A game-changer for urban driving!