FYI: Stellantis is seeking to patent an innovative tank-steer system for their future electric vehicles (EVs), enabling on-the-spot vehicle rotation akin to military tanks.
### Stellantis Explores Advanced Tank-Turn Feature for EVs
In an exciting development for off-road enthusiasts, Stellantis has moved to patent a unique tank-steer system for its upcoming electric vehicles. This cutting-edge feature would allow vehicles to spin around on the spot without moving forward, making them exceptionally agile in confined spaces or rough terrains.
### Patent Application Filed
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) published Stellantis’s patent application for this technology on July 25, 2023, following its filing earlier this year. According to the details of the application, the system utilizes a mechanical differential that enables the wheels on each axle to rotate in opposite directions, making a tank-like turn possible. This system is designed for EVs equipped with a single motor per axle.
### How It Works
Where traditional tank tracks achieve turns by braking on one side, Stellantis’s approach involves a gearbox that rotates the axle half shafts in opposite directions. Each axle is connected to an electric motor, allowing the power to be distributed effectively across all four wheels.
Drivers could engage the tank-turn feature through a touchscreen, steering-wheel paddles, or dedicated buttons. Control of the vehicle’s rotation would be facilitated by turning the steering wheel to choose the direction while using the accelerator and brake pedals to initiate and halt the maneuver.
### Comparison to Competitors
Should Stellantis bring this technology to fruition, it will join a select group of automakers exploring similar functionalities. Mercedes-Benz already offers a comparable G-Turn feature on the electric version of the G-Class. Rivian, which initially developed a Tank Turn feature, ultimately decided against its implementation due to concerns about environmental impact, noting the potential damage to loose terrains and tires when used on pavement.
BMW is also in the game, working on a quad-motor EV powertrain capable of performing tank turns. However, the automaker aims to focus more on performance over additional features. Meanwhile, Ford’s 2022 patent filing hinted at its own experimental EV steering concept, although further details have yet to emerge.
### Conclusion
Stellantis’s tank-turn system promises to be a game-changer in the EV market, particularly for off-road enthusiasts seeking enhanced maneuverability. Whether this feature will make it to production remains to be seen, but its potential impact is undeniable.
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Steven Hale, Editor of Automotive.fyi
