Mitsubishi Evo

Electric Evo leads the charge

Take at look at the most 'electrifying' Evo ever. This sensational car is part of Mitsubishi's plan to be a world leader in battery-powered vehicles. It's a Lancer Evo IX featuring pioneering electric motors set inside the wheels, and is called MIEV - which stands for Mitsubishi In-Wheel Electric Vehicle.

Auto Express Car Reviews

By Sam Hardy

30th August 2005

It uses four low-weight/high-power units that are so compact they fit inside the hubs with the brake discs, freeing up cabin space. Powered by lithium-ion batteries fitted under the seats, the car offers 268bhp and acceleration that is only fractionally slower than the turbocharged standard machine.

Mitsubishi is entering the MIEV in the Shikoku Rally - a special event staged for electric vehicles in Japan. Bosses are confident a production version will arrive by 2010, and say the technology can be applied to hybrid and fuel-cell vehicles.

Meanwhile, BMW is set to reveal an electric/petrol-powered X3 concept at next month's Frankfurt Motor Show. Instead of a conventional battery, it has high-performance capacitors that are more efficient and weigh less. These are so small they fit in the car's door sills.