Volkswagen develops electric racing car for Pikes Peak

Volkswagen is developing an all-electric race car for the world's most renowned mountain race. The all-wheel drive prototype is scheduled to be at the start of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in Colorado, U.S.A on 24^th June 2018. Its goal is to set a new record for electric cars at the finish line, which is at 4,300m elevation. The new motorsport project is part of Volkswagen's process of transforming itself into the leading producer of electric vehicles. By 2025, the Volkswagen brand will be offering 23 all-electric models.

"The Pikes Peak hill climb is one of the world's most renowned car races. It poses an enormous challenge and is therefore excellently suited to proving the capabilities of upcoming technologies," explains Dr. Frank Welsch, Member of the Board responsible for Development. "Our electric race car will be equipped with innovative battery and drive technology. The extreme stress test on Pikes Peak will give us important findings that will benefit future development, and it will showcase our products and their technologies."

The vehicle is being developed by Volkswagen Motorsport in close cooperation with Technical Development in Wolfsburg. "The race on Pikes Peak is a new beginning for us. We are developing an all-electric race vehicle for the first time," explains Sven Smeets, Volkswagen Motorsport Director. "The project is also an important milestone in our new motorsport orientation. Our team is electrified about taking on this incredible challenge."