800HP Eliica HEV

The Electric Vehicle Laboratory at Keio University in Japan is using 800hp of pure electric endorphins to power an 8-wheel monstrosity to 100kph in four seconds and 160 in another three, with a top speed of 370kph (230mph).

The Eliica, the name derived by creating an acronym from electric lithium-ion battery car, is quicker than Porsche’s 911 Turbo and a host of rival supercars, despite seating four adults who can enter or exit via four doors.

As reported in England’s Daily Mail, the five meter long vehicle might even be capable of 400kph (250 mph), says creator Hiroshi Shimizu.

“When you’re dealing with technology thought by most to be slow, heavy and lacking range, you must do better than any supercar,” Shimizu said.

The Eliica also features an extremely low center of gravity due to carrying its batteries, hardware and electric motors in a narrow bed within its chassis. No body roll or nose dive is reported, while turn-in is sharp with adequate feedback through the steering wheel. Despite a 2,400k (5,291lb) curb weight, it is said to feel quite agile.

The Japanese project car has eight 100hp electric motors mounted within each of its eight wheels, no transmission and a force of 0.8Gs.

The cabin is small, but not compared to those vehicles which come closest to matching its performance capabilities. The biggest negative is the need to recharge it for an impractical 10 hours when fully drained.

The car has a projected US$320,000 price tag. Most likely the Eliica will go down in history as just another automotive oddity, but Shimizu should be remembered for showing all electric cars need not be boring.