Electric kart makes debut, Formula E eyes support race

The kart has been made by German manufacturer Mach1 and uses a 20kW powertrain built by Bosch that will allow it to recuperate energy as well as deploy it.

Its 48-volt lithium battery is housed in a container inside the left sidepod, with the starter generator inside the right sidepod.

The project is being overseen by the FIA Electric and New Energy Championships Commission.

It is understood it will most likely be used at senior level nationally but could also form the basis of the proposed FIA eKarting Cup.

The demonstration run was carried out by Bruno Correia, the Formula E safety car driver.

"The acceleration is unbelievable," said Correia after driving the kart on the FE track. "And its top speed is also really exceptional.

"I had great fun driving this prototype and I am sure it will be a great success."

The FIA has had the possibility of electric kart engines on its radar for some time, with several indoor events already utilising the technology.

The FIA eKarting Cup would be based around a single-chassis and single-powertrain concept.

Formula E boss Alejandro Agag has backed the plans and said he would welcome it as a support event to his series.

"Karting would be very good," he told Autosport.

"It should definitely come very quickly, it's there and the karts are really good. They are as fast as normal karts.

"I think they should do it. We'd love to have it here, definitely. You'd need a karting track but if you could have that next to us, it would be fantastic.

"We have struggled to find support events because they need to be electric and this would be fantastic."