It has not been until relatively recently that electric cars have generally reached the world of motoring, but brands have been working on this technology for a long time, often in formats that are even hard to believe. Did you know that there was a fully electric Mitsubishi Evo IX?
Uniting the concept of the Evo, an icon of the automotive industry and rallying, with a zero emission mechanics is something that seems really strange, but despite them it was a reality in 2005, when Mitsubishi was exploring the beginning of its race in electric cars.
That same year it presented an electric version of the Colt, but, as is logical, the model that really caused a stir was the Evo, which responded to the name of Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MIEV for ‘Mitsubishi In-wheel motor Electric Vehicle’, a name that the Japanese firm awarded its zero-emission technology.
On a visual level it was clear that it was an Evo IX, but the aesthetic set was quite modified, with more rounded shapes, less aggressive bumpers and an oversized spoiler, in addition to the specific vinyls that read the name of the version.
Along with the spoiler, the most striking thing was the huge 20-inch wheels that left room for a very low-profile tire, an unusual configuration for a rally model, but here it was due to the fact that it was necessary to make room for the engine. that each wheel had incorporated.
Each block had a diameter of more than 17 inches, making it imperative that the rim be much larger. The configuration of each propeller was peculiar, since it had a “doughnut” format in which the rotor was outside the stator.
According to Mitsubishi, this had three positive consequences:
- Design makes it easy to increase horsepower and torque and eliminates the need for a speed reducer, reducing energy losses and curbing unsprung weight gain
- Elimination of the speed reducer makes the motor fit more easily on the wheelhouse
- Donut construction creates space in the center of the motor for the brake assembly and other components
Each unit developed a power of 68 hp (50 kW) and a maximum torque of 518 Nm, so that together they reached 272 hp (200 kW) and spectacular torque of 2,072 Nm. The immediate delivery of force, added to the all-wheel drive, made its response really fast, as well as control and traction at a high level.
It was capable of reaching a top speed of 180 km/h, but there is no official data on its acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, which had to be quite fast given the numbers it handled.
The system was powered by a 33.7 kWh capacity battery, located on the floor of the vehicle in the central part, which gave it a range of 250 kilometers on paper. Considering that this is technology from almost two decades ago, it wasn’t bad at all.
Another aspect that is striking is that it weighed 1,590 kilos, which is about 100 kilos overweight compared to the standard Evo IX, which has its merit, although it is understood because having a motor in each wheel dispensed with the heavy drive system integral of the conventional variant.
As planned at first, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MIEV participated in the Shikoku EV Rally 2005, which was held in Tokushima prefecture between August 27 and 28 of that year.
However, his career ended there, the prototype was not further developed and the Japanese brand decided to apply its knowledge in electrical matters in a very different format, the i-MiEV urbanite that would be the manufacturer’s first production zero emissions and, to this day, today, also the last.
