Why the Kode 8 EV production stalled?

Who does not know the name of Ken Okuyama? He is a world-famous car designer, who worked for Pininfarina until 2006 and many other world's car companies. And Now through his own automotive design company called 'Ken Okuyama Design,' looks actively giving birth to many unique concept cars.

Ken Okuyama's electric-powered car named Kode 8 as shown at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2H815Cb)

Among the many automotive works that he has been designed and made, it turns out that Ken Okuyama also ever made an electric-powered car design. 

This car named Kode 8 or k.o 8, an electric-powered vehicle equipped with a lithium-ion battery. It was introduced as a prototype at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show along with its predecessor, Kode 7.

Front side view of Ken Okuyama's electric-powered car named Kode8. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2YSeOIg)

According to the company, its electric-powered car model performed with “Modern, simple, timeless” as Ken Okuyama's concept. In the form of the sleek beauty as you see pictured above, the Kode 8. The EV has a lightweight carbon fiber and aluminum chassis and it is not surprising the car's overall weight is low.

Ken Okuyama's electric-powered car named Kode 8 being prepared at the company workshop. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2YSeOIg)

The Kode 8 is a coupé with a length of 3.71 meters, featuring traditional fenders enclosing the wheels and also has a removable targa top. It is a pure electric vehicle and powered by lithium-ion batteries and has a range of about 100 miles.

Ken Okuyama's electric-powered car named Kode8 with its scissor-typed doors open. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2YSeOIg)

To drive its all four wheels, the car uses three-phase electric motors that capable spewed power of 100 kW. Even though it's a small power numbers, it contrasts with high torque and is instantly used to make significant acceleration.

Technical specification of Ken Okuyama's electric-powered car named Kode 8. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/31EGMUL)

From the exterior look, at a glance the car will remind us of the IFR Aspid model from Spaniard auto manufacturer. Of course with the use of a powerful drivetrain, lightweight body and the real speed will be the characteristics of this model.

Interior and steering wheel view of Ken Okuyama's electric-powered car named Kode 8. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Z9oFZu)

The Kode 8 EV will be built in Japan for worldwide export and in limited numbers (some said 99 units). When these EV lands on the market, with an alternative drivetrain for petrol-fueled car products, and also it will offer an alternative to the famous Testa EV Roadster.

Rear view of Ken Okuyama's electric-powered car named Kode 8 or k.o 8 as shown at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2OWteTn)

As quoted of Autoblog, shortly after the Geneva auto expo those Japanese auto design company said that the Kode 8 lacked both battery and motor which is not to say it won't be built but will likely take some more time to get the electric drivetrain together.

From the company statement above arouse a big question, whether the Kode 8 EV production stalled due to lack of materials or zero demands? And until the 2009 Geneva Motor Show was held a year after, the Kode 8 EV never shown up and never been heard since then.

*** (If the info was not valid, tell us via comment box below completed with the source infos of yours. We will make an approriated revision shortly after that.) *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | KEN OKUYAMA DESIGN | AUTOBLOG | ROAD&TRACK | CAR BODY DESIGN | DIARIMOTOR]

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