Professor shows off speedy electric car to prove gasoline may soon be obsolete

by The Associated Press

Until now, there’s been only weak demand for electric cars because they’re expensive, can’t go far without recharging and don’t exactly tear up the road.

But Hiroshi Shimizu, a professor at Japan’s prestigious Keio University, is heading a research team that is developing a fully electric Kaz passenger vehicle, which is able to reach maximum speeds in excess of 186 miles an hour and travel the same distance on a single charge.

Showing off his 590 horsepower, eight-wheel creation — which looks like a cross between a ballistic missile and a stretch limo — Shimizu said June 27 that electric cars will be consumers’ natural choice in the not-so-distant future.

“When you compare the number of parts and technological complexity, electric vehicles are simpler to make than their gasoline-powered counterparts,” said Shimizu. “Once production levels of electric cars go up, prices will come way down.”

Shimizu says the Kaz’ eight wheels gives it added stability and improves handling around curves.

The car — which seats eight — is powered by rows of 3.75-volt lithium-ion batteries stored along its underside.

Japanese automakers have been rushing to develop hybrid cars that switch back and forth automatically between a gas engine and an electric motor, but they still release more harmful emissions than purely electric autos.

To really tackle environmental problems, the world must go totally electric, Shimizu said.

“Going over to electric cars will be an enormous step toward realizing the Kyoto Protocol and other global efforts to cut carbon dioxide levels,” he said.

But don’t expect to spot the Kaz — which is still in the prototype stage — rolling down urban thoroughfares just yet. With a length of 6.7 yards, it’s way too big for the average driveway.

“Our next step is to shorten it a bit, and then a bit more,” said Shimizu.