All-wheel motor drive is catching on in EVs

When it comes to all-electric driving, the new mantra is four wheels are better than two. All-wheel motor drive is the premium must-have among the swelling ranks of electric vehicles. Nissan's e-4ORCE setup, offered on the battery-electric Ariya crossover, exemplifies the benefits of the new technology. The twin motor system — one in the front, the other in the back — manages power to all four wheels delivering high torque, precision handling and stability. The electronic motor control delivers faster response and adjustment than in combustion vehicles. The list of nameplates receiving all-wheel electric drive is growing. Any upper-grade contender that doesn't offer it may soon find itself losing traction among EVs.