Nissan's high-performance twin-motor EV drivetrain is coming

Underneath this wide-arched Nissan Leaf lurks something interesting – Nissan’s new twin-motor, four-wheel drive electric drivetrain. Called ‘e-4ORCE’ (pronounced e-force), it’ll likely appear first in the production version of the Ariya SUV.

Developed for maximum stability and smoothness, Nissan says the new setup borrows know-how from the all-wheel drive systems fitted to the GT-R and Patrol SUV. As well as all the normal malarkey about delivering “greater confidence” and “more excitement”, e-4ORCE even claims to improve ride quality. By precisely controlling the regenerative braking and output of both motors, it claims to make driving in town and on rough roads more comfortable by “minimizing irregular movements” and reducing pitch/roll.

Details remain scant, even though Nissan is currently showcasing the new tech at CES in Las Vegas this week. We do know the Leaf pictured has a little over 300bhp and 502lb ft, meaning it ought to be quite quick. Fingers crossed the production version of the powertrain is similarly punchy.