Eliica 8-wheeler EV Pursues Speed Record and Production

By Thami Masemola
December 31, 2008 3:26 PM
Filed Under: Electric Vehicle, Japanese, Records (World), Specialty Marques

Could one say an eight-wheel car is twice the car any normal one is? A team of Japanese engineers seems to think so. Dr. Hiroshi Shimizu and his team have built this monster of a four-door called Eliica which runs on lithium-ion batteries.

The thought that the Eliica pulls off like a pregnant snail because of its size would be a gross underestimation. Considering that each of the 8 wheels contains an electric motor that produces 60kW (80hp), you begin to understand how the Eliica is capable of 0 - 60mph time of under 4 seconds, a top speed of 250mph (402km/h) and a range of 200 miles (321 km). However, no details on its cornering ability were forthcoming.

Shimizu-san initially developed the car in 2003. Two examples of the four-seater Eliica currently exist as the team attempts to get sponsorship to build more. That may happen as the Japanese government's interest in electric vehicles grows. If and when that happens, 200 units will be made for a price of around USD $255,000.

Source: jalopnik.com

Press Release (Click to expand)

Dr. Hiroshi Shimizu built his first electric car more than 20 years ago, converting a gasoline-powered sedan to electric drive.

An environmental engineer by training, he became increasingly interested in pushing the boundaries of electric car technology; the most recent manifestation being the Eliica, a powerful, eight-wheeled super car with a 230 mph (370 km/h) top speed. Each of the eight wheels is driven by a 60kW (80 hp) electric motor.

First conceived in 2003, Shimizu and his engineering students built a pair of Eliicas for an estimated $320,000. One version is considered a "speed" model; the second, the "acceleration" model. The goal of the Keio University team is to set the world speed record of 400 km/h (250 mph).

Both models utilize lithium ion batteries and have a working range of 200 miles (320 km).

Interest in Dr. Shimizu's efforts apparently has been recently rekindled as the government of Japan recognizes the importance of electric vehicles. The team would like to receive corporate sponsorship to build 200 of the four-passenger vehicles for an estimated price of 30 million Yen or approximately $255,000.

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Comments

radmeister

December 31, 2008 3:45 PM

Well they have a good start, the Citroen DS was an amazing car, and that body shape is still to date perhaps one of the most aerodynamic.

9TNine

December 31, 2008 4:17 PM

Neat...

And EIGHT wheels! The neighbourhood dogs will have a field-day!! :)

xLumino

December 31, 2008 6:05 PM

This is an amazing project. I hope for a great future of such developments. You can see, that the electrical move is more efficient then the using of oil.

And the Conceptcar looks impressive. Pretty outstanding in every way. For sure, it's not allday practical, but some minor changes and maybe a reduced version to 6 wheels whould be nice for the series. It looks really like the innovative and avantgardistic Citroen DS.

Joe_Limon

December 31, 2008 7:39 PM

I remember seeing this car a few months ago. I thought I read that it was Russian *shrugs*. Haha I do love the epic disney style music however.

Penner

December 31, 2008 8:37 PM

Car of the year both 2008 and 09! ;)

PotatoEater

January 1, 2009 6:36 AM

"...200 units will be made for a price of around USD $255,000." = $1,275 per car. Japanese cars were always good value, but this is ridiculous!

archytype

January 1, 2009 10:15 PM

Thankfully the car isn't American made because the U.S. does not need the bad press right now.

alessandro

January 2, 2009 5:15 PM

Such Citroen-inherited design language should be applied in their normal cars with that DS-age quality. Best car design example for years-congrats! Even 8 wheels do not spoil it.

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