Nissan: Lunar rover tests all-wheel drive system 🎥
FUTURE In a new space vehicle, Nissan is testing technology solutions such as the e-4orce all-wheel drive system for the sandy lunar surface. The automaker is working closely with the Japanese space agency Jaxa on this.
With the space agency Jaxa, Nissan has developed a lunar rover
Nissan is going on a virtual expedition into space. In collaboration with the Japanese space agency Jaxa, the automaker has developed a lunar rover. This prototype uses proven technology solutions to master the powdery, rocky and hilly lunar landscape.
Engine control and the all-wheel drive
The Jaxa Space Exploration Innovation Center has been working on this key technology for some time and has also been supported by Nissan since January 2020. The automaker is focusing in particular on engine control and all-wheel drive.
For example, the engine control system used in the Leaf model is used, while the e-4orce all-wheel drive system comes from the Ariya coupe crossover. However, sand is a major challenge because the wheels often spin and dig in on this type of surface.
To avoid getting stuck, a high level of driving skill is required. That's why Nissan has developed a special drive force control system.
New 4×4 system for the Nissan Ariya
Toshiyuki Nakajima, general manager of Nissan's Advanced Vehicle Engineering Department, said, "We strive for the ultimate driving characteristics through our research and development. Joint research with Jaxa leads to innovations in our vehicles that bring benefits to customers."
The new e-4orce system will debut next summer with the new Ariya. The all-wheel-drive version of this model features electric motors on the front and rear axles whose torques are individually controlled to ensure the best traction.
