Why does the Alpine A390 have three electric motors?

Instead of choosing a devilish directional rear train for road behavior, the Alpine A390 has decided to opt for three electric motors. Here’s why.

The Alpine A390 is not just a new model in the Dieppe brand’s lineup: it’s a demonstration of technological strength. For its first 100% electric sports SUV with a so-called “fastback” body, Alpine has chosen an unprecedented three-motor architecture. A bold solution that combines performance, agility, and versatility while staying true to the brand’s sporty DNA.

This configuration includes a synchronous motor with a wound rotor at the front and two independent permanent magnet motors at the rear. Together, they create a unique all-wheel drive system at Alpine, but above all, implement an exclusive active torque distribution system: the Alpine Active Torque Vectoring. The latter adjusts the torque delivered to each rear wheel with extreme precision, up to the millisecond, optimizing traction, stability, and responsiveness in corners.

Made in France!

Thanks to this system, the A390 can make you forget its dimensions and its 2.1 tons by offering agility close to that of the A110. On mountain roads as well as on the track, the behavior adapts in real time, reducing understeer and even allowing controlled drifts without counter-steering. The system also acts like a rear differential and improves safety in a straight line when there is uneven traction.

But this technical sophistication comes at a cost. First in weight, with an increased mass due to the complexity of the transmission and the three powertrains. Then in energy consumption, although the 89 kWh Verkor battery and the well-designed aerodynamics allow for a range of up to 555 km WLTP. Finally, in manufacturing costs: this cutting-edge technology, similar to that found in supercars, inevitably reflects in the final price of the vehicle, which will range between 65,000 and 76,000 euros depending on the variants.

Available in two versions—400 hp for the GT and 470 hp for the GTS—the A390 achieves 0 to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds in its most powerful variant. Performance comparable to that of the A110 R, but here in a five-seat format, designed for everyday use as well as thrilling sensations.

With this unique approach, Alpine asserts that electric sportiness is not a constraint, but an opportunity to reinvent the joy of driving.

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