Interesting news filtered out of Japan today as yet another high profile EV plans entry in to the historic race up the hill.

Recently I wrote an article regarding Mitsubishi entering the electric class at this year’s Pikes Peak International Hill Climb using their i-MiEV Prototype.

Interesting news filtered out of Japan today with regards to another high profile EV entry being planned and with the announcement of further details being released at a press conference to be held in Tokyo next week.

The announcement indicates what appears to be a joint effort this year between Team APEV (Association for the Promotion of Electric Vehicles) and Nobuhiro 'Monster' Tajima’s Monster Sport team.  Pikes Peak legend and multiple record holder Tajima also happens to be APEV’s Chief Commissioner.

Tajima has long held a close relationship with Suzuki, indeed, all of his runs and records at the Peak have been based on their cars. Last year saw Tajima break the Peak’s 10 minute record with a time of 9:51.278 at the wheel of the Monster Sport team’s radical twin-turbo, 910hp SX4.

That could change though as the announcement noted that amongst the dignitaries attending next week’s press conference will be Mitsubishi. Does this mean that Mitsubishi may field a second i-MEV prototype for Tajima to drive or are they working on another project together? We shall have to wait and see. In the meantime you can read the official announcement as follows:

With the preservation of the environment and a goal of a sustainable society at heart, APEV (Chairman, Soichiro Fukutake) organized the Pikes Peak EV Challenge Committee to take on the challenge as ‘Team APEV with Monster Sports’ in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb to be held in July 2012 in Colorado, USA. 

The reigning champion for the past 6 years, Nobuhiro Tajima, will switch from a gasoline-powered vehicle to a new prototype EV racing car to break his own course record. 

 

To participate and win in a world-famous auto race in an electric vehicle is not the only goal for Team APEV with Monster Sports. The other aim is to participate in the following 5 areas of activities such as aiding the 2011 earthquake disaster areas, environmental education project for children and projects to promote active participation from the senior citizens of Japan. 

 

1.Environmental Project 

2.Junior Project 

3.Senior Project 

4.Support the Disaster Victims Project 

5.Post-race Events & Activities 

 

We ask for your support and attendance as we enter the challenge in an electric vehicle, representing Japan, in the most prestigious racing match in the world in its 90th year.