IN the new world of mass-market electric vehicles, a frontier that Nissan pioneered with the LEAF a decade ago, there’s been a growing trend to focus on pure performance, thanks to the acceleration and torque offered by an electric motor and battery pack.
While the bullet train-like exhilaration is undeniable, Nissan is taking a balanced, customer-centric approach – beyond mere speed – with its latest electric power train technology, known as e-4ORCE.
It’s a revolutionary new all-wheel control technology, assisting and empowering drivers of all skill levels by providing instant torque to all four wheels and delivering balanced, predictable power in any situation.
The “e” in e-4ORCE stands for Nissan’s 100% electric motor drive system. “4ORCE” (pronounced force) refers to the vehicle’s physical power and energy, with “4” representing all-wheel control.
Currently in final development stages, Nissan’s e-4ORCE all-wheel control technology strikes a balance between powerful performance and unprecedented control, delivering excitement at the push of the accelerator while still ensuring comfort.
Managing power output and braking performance for maximum smoothness and stability, e-4ORCE enhances the driver’s confidence by faithfully tracing the intended driving line on a variety of surfaces, without the driver having to change driving style or input.
Simply put, e-4ORCE is an advanced system built around dual electric motors. Until now though, Nissan EVs have all used a single electric motor, typically for front wheel drive. But as Nissan diversifies its line-up, an all-wheel-drive system is a logical next step.
That’s especially so with the Ariya Concept strongly hinting at a future EV crossover. Better still, the technology provides ultra-precision control that’s three times faster than the blink of an eye.
This not only provides the driver with instant, smooth acceleration; it also ensures that the control technology can handle a wide range of scenarios, and not just off-the-line acceleration.
e-4ORCE really shines when the driver is required to suddenly react to avoid something in the road, such as an animal or object. The system manages and conveys the driver’s intentions and expectations smoothly and efficiently.
Nissan’s engineers built on the know-how gained from both the Nissan GT-R’s ATTESSA E-TS torque split system and the Nissan Patrol’s intelligent 4×4 system to maximise power output, braking and chassis control.
The technology provides balanced chassis control, line tracing, and steering precision at all times, keeping the vehicle’s behaviour predictable, even during sudden manoeuvres. It also works to provide precision cornering capabilities.
And because the e-4ORCE system manages braking and power to each wheel, when regenerative braking is called on, the front and rear electric motors work to reduce vehicle pitch and dive.
This helps keep the cabin and the passengers in it more level, which in turn helps prevent motion sickness, such as in stop-and-go traffic. e-4ORCE’s precision e-powertrain and braking system control also ensures power is delivered to the wheels with the most grip.
This stabilises vehicle motion to maintain handling control and line traceability. If the driver applies too much power, the system will manage output to ensure control and traceability is maintained, even on slippery roads.
