Tokyo - The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd., has announced that its racing team, Team Yokohama, will participate - again with an electric vehicle (EV) - in the 2010 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, the best-known hill climb in the world. The event will be staged on Sunday, June 27, in the state of Colorado, U.S.A. The team refers to the race as the "Team Yokohama EV Challenge."

The "Challenge" is part of Yokohama Rubber's efforts to meet its environmental responsibilities. A principle aim is to spread recognition of the current state of EV technology and its potential, as well as to develop EV tires for use in severe off-road conditions. This will be the second year for Yokohama to participate in the race. In its debut last year, the team turned in the second-best performance ever for an EV. Having fully reviewed, redesigned and overhauled the vehicle's chassis, battery and motor, the team is setting its sights this year on a new record.

The Yokohama team's original EV racing car is equipped with a lithium-ion battery from Sanyo Electric and an AC Induction Motor from American AC Propulsion. It will be driven again this year by Mr. Ikuo Hanawa, a skilled performer in world-class off-road races, and will be equipped with prototype next-generation tires demonstrating stability on any kind of road surface and with additional environmental benefits stemming from reduced rolling resistance.

Begun in 1916, the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is a venerable tradition being run for the 88th time this year. Racing to the 4,301-meter summit, participants cover a 20-kilometer course beginning at the 2,862-meter level. The race is famous for the severity of its conditions: rapidly changing temperatures and weather, a combination of tarmac and gravel surfaces, and 156 curves.

Length: 3,800 mm
Width: 1,900 mm
Height: 1,100 mm
Wheelbase: 2,500 mm
Weight: 1,150 kg
Motor: AC Propulsion AC Induction Motor 180kW
Battery: Sanyo lithium-ion 37 kWh (385 V)
Tires: Yokohama EV On & Off Prototype Tire (18 inches)
Wheels: Yokohama ADVAN Racing RGII (18 inches)