Evans Electric’s In-Wheel Motors Debut On Mitsubishi Evo

In-wheel electric motors are supposed to be a major turning point for electric motors, boosting efficiency, performance, and handling while lowering the curb weight. Australia’s Evans Electrics recently rolled out a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution equipped with four of their in-wheel electric motors, boasting a peak output of more than 3,600 ft-lbs of torque.

That is, of course, peak output; the nominal output of each wheel-mounted motor is 460 ft-lbs of torque, and about 100 horsepower, meaning some serious acceleration from this former gas-burner. The Evans Electric Evo hasn’t hit the track yet, though the company is promising that within the next few months we’ll get to see what all the hubbub is about.

Evans Electric has been hard at work for six years on their in-wheel electric motor, so they really better bring the wow factor, as it were. Other companies like competitor Protean are slated to begin production of their in-wheel electric motors in 2014, and have already displayed working prototypes on performance Mercedes tuned by Brabus.

But with 400 horsepower, and over 1,700 ft-lbs of torque on tap, this electric Evo could really turn some heads in the EV and performance world. Because it doesn’t need axles or a gearbox, it is lighter than a typical electric car, and each wheel can be controlled independently for tighter turned, better stopping, and superior acceleration that conventional cars can’t even imagine. The potential is huge, and the people have been patient, so here is hoping Evans Electric can deliver.

 Source: Evans Electrics via Autoblog Green