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.
13-Jan-2009
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Posted by: Erik van Erne
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25-Dec-2008
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What I like about the Eliica is its bold styling and innovative 6 wheel drive. The styling is reminiscent of a Citroen DS and the I remember a car in the 70's that experimented with 6 wheels. I hope we'll see a production version of this car very soon.
Posted by: James Hea
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30-Dec-2008
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It's awesome to see people striving set a mark in electric cars. I looking forward to someday being able to afford an electric car. Correction to the comment before 8 wheel drive.
Posted by: Josh Alle
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05-Jan-2009
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The real measure of success is how many innovative ideas and advances are generated that are turned into beneficial technologies for mainstream vehicles.
Extra wheels are awesome for increased traction and weight distribution. Unfortunately 4 wheel steering gets complicated - and that's just in the front. Extra tires in back will drag a bit while cornering (unless additional complexity of rear wheel drive is added to the foward rear tires).
Which world speed record are they shooting for exactly? I recall some Jet/turbine-driven vehicles (Blue lightning) that broke the sound barrier back in 1980's(?). That's considerably faster than 250 mph. Note those vehicles share significant design issue with cornering :-). However they all had very poor fuel efficiency ;-).
Posted by: Zephan S
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29-Jan-2009
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if it can go 230mph with a 200miles range, surely 100mph and say 400 mile range is possible.
great that its also "limo like" -- not a small economy car. It should be brought to a mass production level -they could also save money by using 4 wheels instead of 8.
P/
Posted by: Phil Nicols
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29-Jan-2009
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Actually, this type of platform has worked well for Euro-styled trux for many years, both distributing the vehicle's gross weight better for the pavement and safe control of both power and steering. Perhaps three versions cud be made: A 4-wheel small version, a 6-wheel [two rear axles] and the big 8-wheeler. If all-wheel steering was optional on the biggie, 'oblique' crabbing and easier parking wud be possible...On long, straight stretches of superhighways, this baby shud really cruise! Perhaps an option wud be to have a choice of duals on the rear axles--or 'super-singles' all the way around? If recharge sites were placed at Rest Stops or Service Centers, stopping for chow or to stretch one's legs wud allow a 'quicky' charge to allow continuing on?..Pro athletes, hip-hop artists and other richfolk cud really 'customize' one of these electro-whips! Aaron Allen..
Posted by: Aaron Allen
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05-Nov-2009
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