Evasive Motorsports is heading back to the legendary Pikes Peak International Hill Climb on June 21, 2026, with one goal in mind: becoming one of the first teams to push an electric vehicle below the coveted 10-minute mark on the iconic mountain course.
The California-based team has established itself as a formidable competitor at the “Race to the Clouds,” earning the fastest EV time in 2022 with a modified Tesla Model 3 before capturing the Exhibition Class victory in 2025 with its Hyundai IONIQ 5 N race car. Last year’s event was shortened due to high winds near the summit, leaving the team with unfinished business despite securing the class win and a strong 15th-place overall finish among 73 entrants.
For 2026, Evasive Motorsports returns with a significantly refined version of its Hyundai IONIQ 5 N Pikes Peak racer, aiming to unlock the full potential of the high-performance electric crossover on the mountain’s demanding 12.42-mile course.
Chasing the 10-Minute Barrier
According to Evasive Motorsports co-founder and CEO Mike Chang, the team has spent the off-season further developing the vehicle after gathering valuable data from last year’s campaign.
Testing has taken place at Hyundai’s private proving grounds, allowing engineers to refine the setup and prepare the car for another assault on Pikes Peak’s 156 turns and 14,115-foot summit.
The team believes the upgraded package has the capability to break the elusive 10-minute barrier, provided weather conditions cooperate on race day.
Extensive Upgrades for 2026
Originally based on a production Hyundai IONIQ 5 N, the race car has undergone extensive modifications focused on reducing weight, increasing downforce, and improving handling.
Evasive Motorsports’ EVS Tuning division removed approximately 500 pounds from the vehicle by stripping the interior and replacing key body panels with lightweight carbon-fiber components. The doors and tailgate have been redesigned in carbon fiber, significantly improving the vehicle’s power-to-weight ratio.
Aerodynamics have also received considerable attention. Japanese aero specialist Voltex Racing revisited the front splitter design and optimized several one-off carbon-fiber components. These updates were developed using detailed 3D scans of the vehicle to maximize downforce and high-speed stability.
The suspension package has been further refined for 2026. The bespoke Moton Motorsports coilover system now features revised valving, updated spring rates, and new mounting points. Combined with EVS Tuning anti-roll bars and an Eimer Engineering six-point roll cage, the setup is designed to keep the IONIQ 5 N planted through the mountain’s challenging corners.
Longer-travel rear dampers have also been added to improve tire contact and grip, helping the Yokohama racing slicks deliver maximum performance throughout the climb.
ENEOS Fluids Support EV Performance
A key element of the 2026 program is the addition of ENEOS performance fluids across the vehicle’s drivetrain and thermal management systems.
The race car utilizes ENEOS EV/Hybrid Coolant Model Green antifreeze coolant, ENEOS AC Compressor Oil ZE-GLES RB100EV refrigeration oil, and ENEOS ECO ATF OE+ fully synthetic automatic transmission fluid.
These products are designed to improve cooling efficiency, reduce friction, and provide enhanced protection for the battery, drivetrain, and transmission components under the extreme demands of competition.
Efficient thermal management remains critical for electric race cars tackling Pikes Peak, where altitude changes and sustained high-power operation place significant stress on vehicle systems.
Technical Specifications
Evasive Motorsports Hyundai IONIQ 5 N Pikes Peak
Drivetrain
– Stock dual-motor powertrain and battery pack
– ENEOS EV/Hybrid Coolant Model Green antifreeze
– ENEOS AC Compressor Oil ZE-GLES RB100EV refrigeration oil
– ENEOS ECO ATF OE+ automatic transmission fluid
Suspension & Chassis
– Moton Motorsports remote-reservoir coilovers
– Revised 2026 valving, spring rates, and rear travel
– EVS Tuning front and rear anti-roll bars
– Eimer Engineering six-point PPIHC-spec roll cage
– Krontec air jack system
Brakes
– CSG Spec brake pads
– Endless brake fluid
Wheels & Tires
– 19×11-inch Titan 7 T-P10 forged racing wheels
– EVS Tuning carbon-fiber aero discs
– 310/690 VR19 Yokohama ADVAN A005 racing slicks
Aerodynamics & Body
– Voltex Racing Pikes Peak front lip
– Revised carbon-fiber front splitter
– Carbon-fiber side skirts and fender flares
– Carbon-fiber underbody panels
– Large rear wing
– EVS Tuning carbon-fiber doors, tailgate, and mirrors
Safety
– Sparco QRT-C carbon-fiber racing seat
Looking Ahead to Pikes Peak 2026
With a lighter chassis, enhanced aerodynamics, revised suspension tuning, and improved thermal management, Evasive Motorsports believes its Hyundai IONIQ 5 N is better prepared than ever for the unique challenge of Pikes Peak.
After last year’s weather-shortened event, the team enters the 2026 hill climb determined to complete its mission and establish a new benchmark for electric vehicle performance on one of motorsport’s most demanding stages.
