Torque vectoring and multi-motor control
How independently controlled motors at each axle or wheel reshape vehicle dynamics.
- Explain torque vectoring and multi-motor control at engineering level
- Read the numbers that define the behaviour
- Apply the idea to a real drive unit
Overview
When a vehicle has two or more independently controlled motors, the control system gains a powerful new tool: distributing torque between them, corner by corner, faster than any mechanical differential could.
In depth
Front/rear and left/right vectoring
A dual-motor EV can bias torque between the front and rear axle continuously, improving traction on varying surfaces and adjusting handling balance. Some performance EVs go further with genuinely independent motors per rear wheel, allowing true torque vectoring — applying more drive torque to the outside wheel in a corner to help rotate the car, all electronically and within milliseconds.
- After slip beginsResponse speedPre-emptive, sub-10ms
- Mechanical, simpleComplexityRequires multiple motors + control software
- LowerWeight/costHigher (extra motor)
- Fixed by hardware ratioPrecision of controlContinuously variable
Key takeaways
- Multiple independently controlled motors allow continuous torque distribution across axles or wheels.
- Electronic torque vectoring can act pre-emptively, before wheel slip even begins.
- The added control sophistication comes with extra hardware cost and complexity.
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