Electric Vehicle (EV) Racing TEAM APEV

To preserve the environment and realize self-sustainable society through promotion of electric vehicle use, Association for the Promotion of Electric Vehicles (APEV; Honorary Chairman Soichiro Fukutake, Chairman Hiroshi Yokokawa) formed the ‘Pikes Peak EV Challenge Committee’ and once again moves forward with the fifth year challenge as “TEAM APEV with MONSTER SPORT” at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in Colorado U.S.A. from June 20th through 26th of 2016.

The symbolic event will be held at the Pikes Peak Mountain in Rocky Mountains, Colorado USA. Staged in America’s scenic natural beauty, our project began in 2012 and we have continued to promote the importance of preserving the earth’s environment for the future and the popularization of electric vehicles.

Ever since the first competition held at the mountain in 1916, this year we celebrate its 100th anniversary of rich history and heritage. “TEAM APEV with MONSTER SPORT” aims for achieving a great result at the globally significant event by investing all experience and knowledge in demonstrating the advantage of electric vehicles.

The racing machine this year, named “2016 Tajima Rimac E-Runner Concept_One” is an electric racing car created by the collaboration of 3 exceptional companies: Tajima Motor Corporation, SIM-Drive and Rimac Automobili (Croatia). Based on the 2015 model, it is given a new chassis, new powertrain and improved all aspects further in order to fully utilize the high output of 1.1MW (Mega Watt; Approx. 1500ps).

(1) Optimization of Rimac All Wheel Torque Vectoring: Refinement of the 4 wheel torque vectoring control enables safe and swift optimal vehicle control (acceleration, deceleration, turning) in various road surface conditions.
(2) Tire performance improved: Giti Tire (Singapore) developed further improvements such as revision of tire structure, optimizing sidewall rigidity, and stabilized tire performance on roads with great temperature variance.
(3) Aero dynamic performance improvements: Revised aerodynamic force balance, front and rear wing size and its positioning, and ride height to accomplish higher total downforce value to gain greater cornering speed. We aim for a great improvement in resulting time with all improvements working in synergy.

The driver is Nobuhiro ‘MONSTER’ Tajima, Pikes Peak Legend and Chief Commissioner of APEV. It will be his 28th year participating in the event and in recognition of his long history of challenge and contribution to the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, he will be inducted to Hall of Fame this year. Further, the The Penrose Heritage Museum will forever display the 1993 race machine at their "Pikes Peak Hill Climb Experience" and ceremony will ensue. Team operation will be handled by Monster Sport.

We wish for your further support and cooperation to the project as we challenge the race and continue our many activities related to the promotion of environment preservation and proliferation of electric vehicles.

Media: Press Release Materials>>
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