Nissan's two-motor CES electric all-wheel drive system is dubbed e-4ORCE.

Nissan finally seems serious about expanding its electrification efforts beyond the single-motor Nissan LEAF.

In October, the Japanese automaker unveiled a prototype Nissan Leaf equipped with a dual-motor all-wheel drive system. The same week, Nissan unveiled an all-electric crossover concept at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show called the Ariya, with two electric motors hidden under a metal skin.

On Tuesday, at the 2020 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Nissan unveiled these two concepts for the first time in the U.S. The twin-motor all-wheel drive system was named e-4ORCE.

Together, the Alya concept and e-4ORCE are a preview of the electric small crossover SUV that Nissan will likely debut within the next year. Sales are expected to begin in 2021.

The Aria will ride on a dedicated electric platform with one electric motor in the front and another in the rear. The battery pack is mounted low, the front and rear overhangs are shorter, and the wheelbase is stretched for more passenger space.

Powered by dual motors, the Nissan LEAF Concept draws 300 horsepower and 500 pounds of torque from its two electric motors. While all-wheel drive improves performance and all-weather capability, Nissan said it will use this system to improve ride comfort, as the rear motors help manage pitch and dive by aiding acceleration and regenerative braking.

While Nissan's GT-R supercar is not electrified, Godzilla's advanced all-wheel drive system, ATTESA E-TS, can split torque back and forth from 0/100 to 50/50 and helped Nissan develop the e-4ORCE system. Also helpful was the less advanced all-wheel drive system found in the Nissan Patrol and Nissan Armada.

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