Four wheels, four decisions
Controlling the torque at individual wheels adds another tool for managing traction and vehicle rotation.
Canvas of Knowledge · 14 November 2026 · Illustrated explainerThe principle
Different wheel forces can create a turning moment around the vehicle’s vertical axis. A control system coordinates those forces with steering, braking and available grip.
Chinese example
BYD’s Yangwang e4 platform uses four independently controlled motors. That layout supports wheel-by-wheel torque control rather than relying on one motor per axle.
A fair comparison
Torque vectoring is a broader idea than four-motor propulsion. Other vehicles use differentials, brakes or fewer motors. Similar goals do not imply identical mechanisms.
THE IDEA TO KEEPSoftware can redistribute torque quickly, but it cannot remove the physical limit of tyre grip.
Sources & further reading
Sources reviewed 14 November 2026. Specifications and availability depend on the product, market and date. Source organisations do not endorse this website.