Skip to main content
Sister Publication Links
  • Automotive News
  • Automobilwoche
  • Automotive News Canada
  • Automotive News China
Subscribe
  • Subscribe
  • Newsletters
  • Login
  • HOME
    • Latest news
    • Automakers
    • Suppliers
    • New Product
    • Environment/Emissions
    • Sales By Market
    • On The Move
    • Auto Shows
    • Munich Auto Show
    • Geneva Auto Show
    • Paris Auto Show
    • Beijing Auto Show
    • Shanghai Auto Show
  • Features
    • Long Read
    • Interview of the Month
    • Focus on Electrification
    • Focus on Technology
    • Segment Analysis
    • Cars & Concepts
    • Supplier Spotlight
    • Europe By The Numbers
  • Opinion
    • Blogs
    • Commentary
    • Guest columnists
  • Photos
    • Photo Galleries
    • Geneva Photo Gallery
    • Beijing Photo Gallery
    • Frankfurt Photo Gallery
    • Paris Photo Gallery
    • Shanghai Photo Gallery
  • Europe By The Numbers
  • Car Cutaways
  • Resource Center
  • EVENTS
    • ANE Congress
    • ANE Rising Stars
    • ANE Eurostars
  • More
    • Publishing Partners
    • Social Media
    • Contact Us
    • Media Kit
    • About Us
    • Capgemini: All or nothing: Why circular business models require a holistic approach
    • Capgemini: Invent Head on automotive takeaways from CES 2023
    • Capgemini: Securing the industry's future through a radical rethink
    • Capgemini: Succeeding with the automated driving journey through AI
    • Capgemini: The circular economy is spurring new thinking on EV batteries
    • Capgemini: Toyota and Capgemini leaders on how OEMs can handle industry changes and succeed
    • HEXAGON: Plugging into data is the only way to make winning EVs
    • PUBLICIS SAPIENT: The power of post-purchase: How automakers can maximize customer lifetime value
    • TOYOTA EUROPE: Toyota Motor Europe's next-gen C-HR: sensory innovations revealed by Vehicle UX leader
    • TUV Rheinland: Ideas, services and certifications for smart mobility
    • TUV Rheinland: Testing of automated and autonomous vehicles on test tracks
    • Toyota Europe
    • UFI Filters
    • SENSEAUTO: Driving the future of mobility with SenseAuto: The AGI power behind the wheel
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Twitter
MENU
Breadcrumb
  1. Home
  2. Focus on Technology
February 23, 2023 12:00 AM

Nissan's killer app: zero slip, zero slide and braking with ease

Nissan could position the new e-4orce all-wheel-drive system used in the Ariya EV crossover as one of the killer apps of its coming wave of electrified vehicles.

Hans Greimel
  • Tweet
  • Share
  • Share
  • Email
  • More
    Print
    Nissan_4orce-MAIN_i.jpg
    HANS GREIMEL

    On a frozen mountain lake in Japan, Nissan demonstrated how its next wave of EVs will use a new all-wheel-drive technology that makes it awfully hard to slip and slide.

    TATESHINA, Japan -- When cruising along at about 65 kph on a sheet of super-slick ice, it pays to have an ultraresponsive vehicle stability system that won't skate you right off the road.

    Nissan's new e-4orce all-wheel-drive technology, offered in the new Ariya electric crossover, keeps the driver in control, even in situations like this, thanks to its sophisticated software and motor setup.

    On a recent test of the system on a frozen lake, high in the snow-draped mountains of central Japan, an e-4orce-equipped Ariya sprung quickly off the start with zero slippage, braked with ease in an unwavering beeline and proved nearly impossible to oversteer on an icy skid pad.

    The all-electric awd system debuted last summer and is so far deployed in only two nameplates -- the Ariya and the X-Trail sold in Europe and Japan. But expect to see more of it as Nissan positions e-4orce as one of the killer apps in its coming wave of electrified vehicles.

    The technology is tailored to make the most of electric-motor mobility and can be deployed in Nissan's all-electric vehicles or its e-Power hybrid models. In these powertrains, only electric motors turn the wheels, allowing for ultraquick, super-accurate tweaking of torque.

    Hans Greimel

    Nissan's new e-4ORCE electric all-wheel-drive technology, deployed in the Ariya and X-Trail crossovers, provides sure-footed grip on ice thanks to its sophisticated software and motor setup.

    In Nissan's previous-generation Intelligent 4x4 setup, chassis control and drive control were executed through different electronic control units in parallel channels.

    The new e-4orce system, by contrast, combines all computations in one electronic control unit for faster reaction and more precise power adjustment.

    It then channels the signal to two sets of electric motors -- one for the front axle, the other for the rear. The setup allows for a wide band of power splitting, delivering up to 100 percent to the front axle and up to 100 percent to the rear. The system then blends that power distribution with independent braking control on the right and left side.

    The result, Nissan says, is better grip, tighter curve tracing and smoother braking. The system works precisely on ice and is equally effective on winding country roads or rain-drenched city streets.

    X-Trail and Rogue

    The X-Trail, sold as the Rogue in the U.S., was the first vehicle to get the e-4orce setup in July. On the X-Trail, it is available only in the e-Power series hybrid versions, which use a gasoline engine as a generator to create the electricity that powers the motors.

    Nissan has introduced e-Power with e-4orce in the X-Trail in Europe. Versions of the SUV with both systems start at 44,400 euros and rise to 55,730 euros in Germany.

    There are no plans to deploy an e-Power version of the Rogue to the U.S. anytime soon.

    Hans Greimel

    Nissan's new e-4ORCE electric all-wheel drive technology.

    The e-Power X-Trail gets a high-power variable compression, turbocharged 1.5-liter engine that can recharge the battery at a quicker rate, helping the electric drive system cope with the faster speeds and demanding acceleration of European roads.

    RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
    BYD, KG Mobility in talks on battery joint venture in South Korea
    Recommended for You
    BYD Seagull front web DB_0.jpg
    BYD, KG Mobility in talks on battery joint venture in South Korea
    USBATLAS.jpg
    In-car USB ports are switching to a new standard — but not everyone is all-in yet
    ABB PixelPaint
    ABB 'very close' to first orders for high-tech paint robot
    Dr. Kai Yu, Founder and CEO of Horizon Robotics
    Sponsored Content: Interview with Dr. Yu Kai, Founder and CEO of Horizon Robotics
    Sign up for free newsletters
    EMAIL ADDRESS

    Please enter a valid email address.

    Please enter your email address.

    Please verify captcha.

    Please select at least one newsletter to subscribe.

    You can unsubscribe at any time through links in these emails. For more information, see our Privacy Policy.

    Get Free Newsletters

    Sign up and get the best of Automotive News Europe delivered straight to your email inbox, free of charge. Choose your news – we will deliver.

    You can unsubscribe at any time through links in these emails. For more information, see our Privacy Policy.

    SUBSCRIBE TODAY

    Get 24/7 access to in-depth, authoritative coverage of the auto industry from a global team of reporters and editors covering the news that’s vital to your business.

    SUBSCRIBE NOW
    Connect with Us
    • Twitter
    • Facebook
    • LinkedIn
    • Instagram

    Founded in 1996, Automotive News Europe is the preferred information source for decision-makers and opinion leaders operating in Europe.

    Contact Us

    1155 Gratiot Avenue
    Detroit MI  48207-2997
    Tel: +1 877-812-1584

    Email Us

    ISSN 2643-6590 (print)
    ISSN 2643-6604 (online)

     

    Resources
    • About us
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise with us
    • Advertise with Us
    • Ad Choices
    • Sitemap
    Awards
    • Rising Stars
    • Eurostars
    • Leading Women
    Legal
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Privacy Policy
    • Privacy Request
    Automotive News Europe
    Copyright © 1996-2023. Crain Communications, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
    • HOME
      • Latest news
      • Automakers
      • Suppliers
      • New Product
      • Environment/Emissions
      • Sales By Market
      • On The Move
      • Auto Shows
        • Munich Auto Show
        • Geneva Auto Show
        • Paris Auto Show
        • Beijing Auto Show
        • Shanghai Auto Show
    • Features
      • Long Read
      • Interview of the Month
      • Focus on Electrification
      • Focus on Technology
      • Segment Analysis
      • Cars & Concepts
      • Supplier Spotlight
      • Europe By The Numbers
    • Opinion
      • Blogs
      • Commentary
      • Guest columnists
    • Photos
      • Photo Galleries
      • Geneva Photo Gallery
      • Beijing Photo Gallery
      • Frankfurt Photo Gallery
      • Paris Photo Gallery
      • Shanghai Photo Gallery
    • Europe By The Numbers
    • Car Cutaways
    • Resource Center
    • EVENTS
      • ANE Congress
      • ANE Rising Stars
      • ANE Eurostars
    • More
      • Publishing Partners
        • Capgemini: All or nothing: Why circular business models require a holistic approach
        • Capgemini: Invent Head on automotive takeaways from CES 2023
        • Capgemini: Securing the industry's future through a radical rethink
        • Capgemini: Succeeding with the automated driving journey through AI
        • Capgemini: The circular economy is spurring new thinking on EV batteries
        • Capgemini: Toyota and Capgemini leaders on how OEMs can handle industry changes and succeed
        • HEXAGON: Plugging into data is the only way to make winning EVs
        • PUBLICIS SAPIENT: The power of post-purchase: How automakers can maximize customer lifetime value
        • TOYOTA EUROPE: Toyota Motor Europe's next-gen C-HR: sensory innovations revealed by Vehicle UX leader
        • TUV Rheinland: Ideas, services and certifications for smart mobility
        • TUV Rheinland: Testing of automated and autonomous vehicles on test tracks
        • Toyota Europe
        • UFI Filters
        • SENSEAUTO: Driving the future of mobility with SenseAuto: The AGI power behind the wheel
      • Social Media
        • Facebook
        • Instagram
        • LinkedIn
        • Twitter
      • Contact Us
      • Media Kit
      • About Us