ELECTRIC VEHICLE (EV) SYSTEM AND OPERATING METHOD

Methods and systems for an electric vehicle (EV). The EV system includes an electric drive axle that includes a first electric motor configured to transfer mechanical power to a first drive wheel, a second electric motor configured to transfer mechanical power to a second drive wheel, and a motor coupling clutch configured to selectively rotationally couple the first electric motor to the second electric motor. The EV system further includes a controller configured to selectively rotationally couple the first electric motor to the second electric motor via operation of the motor coupling clutch based on vehicle load.