Mitsubishi Accelerating Work on EV Research

Mitsubishi has developed an electric version of the high-performance Lancer Evo IX. Four independent 50kW electric motors drive each wheel.

The in-wheel motors are powered by a pack of 24 lithium-ion batteries housed in the floor of the car. The new motor uses a hollow donut construction, which locates the rotor outside the stator instead of inside as in conventional electric motors.

Each motor is rated at 518Nm torque. The higher torque removes the need for a speed-reducer unit, eliminating weight and improving power-transmission efficiency.

The structure also allows the brake mechanism to fit inside the motor which fits neatly inside the wheel housing. Front and rear inverters control the motors.

Mitsubishi says this new arrangement overcomes the difficulties presented by the steering components and makes the motors suitable for fitting to front wheels and use in four-wheel-drive vehicles.

The Lancer Evo MIEV has a kerb weight of 1590kg, compared with 1410kg for the conventional car.

But Mitsubishi says it still achieves a speed of 180kph and, in normal town and highway running, the vehicle has a range of 250km.