Is the Tesla Roadster not exotic enough for you? Does the six-wheeled Covini C6W have two few wheels? Try a four-door eight-wheeled electric car. It's called the Eliica and it may be heading for production.
The Eliica –- short for Electric Lithium-Ion battery Car - is an impressive eight-wheeled beast of a ride that outnumbers the Covini C6W on the weirdness scale. Powered by eight in-wheel electric motors producing 60 KW or roughly 80 hp each, the Eliica will sprint to 60 mph in less than 4 seconds and will power on to 100mph in just 3 seconds more. That’s faster than a Porsche 911 Turbo! And with four doors! Unfortunately all this power costs some dough and you’ll be able to pick up your very own Eliica for $255,000 pending development sponsorship.
Currently only two of these Japanese arachnids exist, but with the help of just a little more corporate sponsorship, the Eliica team can build 200 of them. That’s enough for at least two in the Jalopnik garage and one for yours!
Initially developed in 2003 by environmental engineer, Hiroshi Shimizu, the Eliica uses lithium-ion batteries to reach an estimated top speed of 250 mph and a range of 200 miles. Shimizu developed his first electric car over 20 years ago by converting a gasoline-powered sedan to electric drive.
We’re crossing our fingers for the Eliica to receive sponsorship because we really want to take it for a spin. Check out the video below to see the awesome Eliica in action.
Short Documentary On The Eliica Electric Car
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.
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