Nissan electric AWD in final development
Nissan has introduced E-4ORCE, a new all-wheel-drive system for its electric powertrains, and has essentially confirmed an all-electric crossover is on its way.
The technology is “currently in final development stages,” it said, and was demonstrated at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show and earlier this year at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.
The company said the system is primarily about vehicle control, rather than just speed and acceleration. It is a “logical next step,” Nissan said, “especially with the Ariya Concept strongly hinting at a future EV crossover.”
You’re supposed to pronounce 4ORCE as “force,” while the “e” indicates electric, and the “4” means power to all four wheels.
The Leaf ’s powertrain uses a single motor driving the front wheels, but the E-4ORCE system has a second motor to power the rear wheels.
In addition to providing extra traction on acceleration, the system reacts almost instantly to driver input on sudden manoeuvres.
Nissan said its engineers used knowledge from both the GT-R’S torque-split system and the Patrol SUV’S 4x4 system to maximize power output, braking and chassis control.
Under normal conditions, it provides 50/50 power distribution front to rear, but can transfer 100 per cent of power to either the front or rear wheels as required.
Torque vectoring on turns, providing more torque to the outside wheels.