Nissan unveils new EV all-wheel control tech, e-4ORCE

MANILA: Nissan introduces e-4ORCE, a new electric vehicle (EV) all-wheel control technology that empowers and helps drivers of various skill levels in delivering projected and balanced power as well as instant torque to all four wheels.

The “e” in the e-4ORCE symbolizes the 100% electric motor drive system of the auto brand, and the “4ORCE” (force) indicates the physical energy and power of the vehicle, with the “4” signifying all-wheel control.

In its final development stages, the e-4ORCE all-wheel control technology of Nissan is said to strike a balance between unparalleled control and powerful performance. This brings thrill when the accelerator of the vehicle is pushed while still making sure that everyone in the car is comfortable.

At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Nevada in the  and during the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show in the earlier part of 2020, Nissan exclusively showed e-4ORCE in a privately constructed test car through the use of a LEAD e+ to enable drivers to experience the potential of the technology. Four significant ways on how e-4ORCE technology supports drivers, in line with the all-wheel control theme, were then identified.

First, e-4ORCE is an innovative system that is founded upon dual electric motors. Currently, the EVs of Nissan have all utilized a single electric motor, specifically for front-wheel drive. As Nissan varies its EV range, an all-wheel-drive (AWD) system is one of the fundamental steps, especially with the Ariya Concept intensely suggesting a future EV crossover.

The e-powertrain control technology in the e4ORCE test car responds to driver input with ultra-precision control that is three times faster compared to the blink of an eye. It not just gives the driver smooth and instant acceleration but also guarantees that the control technology can manage a broad range of situations.

Though it involves off-the-line acceleration, e-4ORCE is highly emphasized when the driver needs to react instantly to evade something on the road like an object or animal. The system communicates and handles the expectations and intentions of the driver efficiently and smoothly.

The engineers of Nissan built on the expertise acquired from both the intelligent 4x4 system of the Nissan Patrol and the Nissan GT-R ATTESSA E-TS torque split system to optimize chassis control, braking, and power output. The long development history of the company with both the advanced AWD systems and EVs will guarantee that e-4ORCE is one of the most effective systems available.

Secondly, e-4ORCE control technology delivers balanced steering precision and line tracing at all situations, which maintains the predictable behavior of the vehicle even during abrupt maneuvers. The system continuously moderates the output on every onboard twin electric motor and every wheel brake control to generate reliable control for the driver.

e-4ORCE delivers torque to the front and rear wheels of the vehicle to optimize tire friction (grip) according to the situation of the car and the conditions of road surfaces. The AWD balance of e-4ORCE standardizes to a 50/50 distribution. However, it can also deliver up to 100% of power to the rear and front wheels, and a mix in between, for different road and driving conditions.

The overall result is an increased degree of control, specifically during cornering, which gives drivers a predictable, smooth, and pleasant experience with minor steering adjustment.

Thirdly, the advanced engineering team obliged e-4ORCE development to set comfort as its highest priority since the beginning of its development. The challenge was to guarantee exceptional EV performance while giving a seamless ride quality for all passengers under numerous driving scenarios.

Regenerative braking is one of the trademarks of an EV. The technology enables energy to be regained when the car slows down, which brings electricity back to the battery. e-4ORCE system handles power and braking to every wheel when regenerative braking is called on the rear and front electric motors to lessen vehicle pitch and dive.

Finally, driving on various surfaces like snowy, icy, or wet roads can be nerve-wracking even for expert drivers. The precision powertrain and braking system control of e-4ORCE guarantees that power is brought to the wheel. The wheel, in turn, has a more exceptional grip while the motion of the vehicle is being stabilized. If the driver uses too much power, the system will handle output to guarantee the maintenance of traceability and control even on rough or slippery roads.

Photos from Nissan

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