The e-POWER with e-4ORCE system in the Nissan X-Trail is comprised of a high-output 2.1kWh battery integrated with a turbo-petrol engine, power generator, inverter and twin electric motors (150kW front axle, 100kW rear axle with a combined system output of 157kW).
This unique powertrain means that power to the wheels comes only from the electric motors, which results in instant, linear response to the accelerator, and impressive fuel efficiency of just 6.1L/100km (combined).
The unique element of e-POWER is that the petrol engine is used solely to generate electricity, while the wheels are completely driven by the electric motor. This means the engine can always run within its optimal range, leading to superior fuel efficiency in urban settings.
Thanks to the electric motor drive, there’s no delay in acceleration as with an internal-combustion engine or traditional hybrid. The instant response delivers exhilarating torque feel and agile acceleration to make overtaking or merging onto a highway easier and more confidence inspiring.
Integral to the design of the e-POWER installation is the linear tune, which governs the operation of the petrol engine, ensuring that it’s spinning at an appropriate speed relative to road speed, avoiding the “rev-up” effect of traditional hybrids under hard acceleration.
A secondary benefit is the refinement it brings, ensuring the engine is running only at the speed it needs to, which is typically low in urban and suburban conditions.
In addition to these benefits, the e-POWER drive system guarantees a quiet drive, for example at 40 km/h the sound in the car reduces by 8dB compared with competitors.
The future of AWD: What is e-4ORCE?
A new all-wheel-drive system designed to work exclusively with Nissan’s electrified powertrains is introduced on the all-new X-Trail e-POWER, with e-4ORCE delivering reassuring traction and confident acceleration in all conditions, thanks to Nissan’s most advanced AWD technology.
The “e” in e-4ORCE signifies that the system was developed to work solely with Nissan’s electrified powertrains.
The powerful dual e-motor system has a total output of 157kW thanks to the addition of the rear motor, which allows for keen acceleration, with a zero to 100km/h time of just 7.0 seconds. It also has a rear torque response that is up to 10,000 times faster than a mechanical 4WD system
In addition, the constant torque redistribution, including torque vectoring side to side, and near-perfect weight balance contribute to reassuring handling and ride comfort, enabling a powerful yet smooth driving experience.
With power distributed almost instantly according to the prevailing conditions, the driver and passengers will be unaware of the system working to maximise traction and control. Indeed, the system will be working even in apparently benign conditions.
The e-4ORCE twin-motor all-wheel-drive system delivers reassuring traction and confident acceleration in all conditions. The system doesn’t just unlock capability, but also delivers better grip, traction and turning ability, enhancing ride and handling.
By specifically managing power output and braking performance for each wheel, e-4ORCE sends power to the outer wheels in corners, ensuring agility and stability, which results in the vehicle tracing the intended driving line. This advanced traction management is constantly active, giving stability and grip in all driving scenarios, such as damp, muddy, oily, icy and snowy roads.
Engineers fine-tuned the precision control technology and twin electric motors of e-4ORCE to provide unparalleled ride comfort. Vehicle pitch and dive are reduced by adding regenerative braking via the rear motor.
In addition to optimising front and rear torque allocation, the system applies independent brake control at each of the four wheels to maximise the cornering force generated by each one. This delivers cornering that faithfully follows driver intentions with minimal steering adjustments.
Key benefits:
- e-4ORCE delivers faster take off
- Linear engine tuning matches acceleration with RPMs, eliminating rubber-band feeling
- Constant torque redistribution and near-perfect weight distribution (51.8% F 48.2% R)
- Dual regenerative braking from front and rear motors
- Stable acceleration and braking, with the vehicle remaining flat
- Torque distributed front or rear to maximise grip
- Individually controlled braking
- Up to 10,000 times faster than mechanical 4WD systems
One-pedal driving: What is e-Pedal Step?
Nissan has developed an entirely new ‘one pedal’ driving experience called e-Pedal Step.
Designed to take the repetitive strain out of stop-start urban driving, where the driver is frequently moving their foot between the accelerator and brake, e-Pedal Step÷ allows drivers to accelerate and brake using only the accelerator.
The system must first be activated by the switch on the centre console and once engaged — at speeds above 10km/h — the accelerator will deliver acceleration as usual. Upon release of the accelerator, e-Pedal Step will brake the X-Trail at 0.2g, enough to illuminate the brake lights, and reduce the speed down to a “creeping” speed, not a complete stop. This ensures low-speed parking manoeuvres are as smooth as possible.
Outside of the city, when Sport mode is activated, the e-Pedal Step helps deliver a more exciting, and more engaging, drive experience, allowing the driver to slow or accelerate using only one pedal, without having to use the brake.
