Eliica 8-wheeler EV Pursues Speed Record and Production

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.

Press Release

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.