Electric kart makes debut, Formula E eyes support race
An electric kart built under the watch of the FIA was demonstrated ahead of last weekend's Berlin Formula E round
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."
Previous article
London set to be axed from Formula E calendar in 2016/17
Next article
Formula E eyeing London street race to replace Battersea Park
About this article
| Series | Formula E |
| Author | Scott Mitchell |
How Vergne and Vandoorne found redemption in Rome
Another Formula E double-header, another double dose of frantic action. While the form guide remains unpredictable following fightback wins for Jean-Eric Vergne and Stoffel Vandoorne in Rome, the speed and consistency of Mercedes – both on and off the track – could have its rivals worried for what is to follow
What Nissan's commitment to Gen3 reveals about Formula E's future
Formula E's Gen3 era grid continues to take shape, after Nissan opted to commit to the series for another four years. Nissan's global chief operating officer explains why it has thrown its lot in with FE while other high-profile marques have decided to call it quits
Why the new Formula E season got off to such a controversial start
With the new Formula E season belatedly getting underway in Saudi Arabia, the championship appeared to try to make up for lost time with an overspill of action and controversy on and off the track. While some talking points could have serious repercussions, it was an explosive opener for many reasons
How Andretti is planning for life after BMW
Michael Andretti's team is a Formula E ever-present and that's not about to change despite BMW's forthcoming exit. But, with both its drivers contracted to the German giant and McLaren weighing up a possible entry, some key decisions lie ahead
The eight major plotlines to watch in Formula E 2021
The delayed 2020-21 Formula E season gets underway this week with a double-header in Saudi Arabia. The testing times were too close to call a favourite, but that's not the only area of interest to follow as the championship enters a crucial year
Why Formula E's 2021 season will be a crucial litmus test
As off-track politics threatens to overshadow events on it, the upcoming Formula E season is perhaps its most important since the championship's inception. And that's a shame, given that the focus should be on what promises to be its closest title fight yet
How Mercedes and Porsche can avoid a difficult second FE album
DS Techeetah remains FE's benchmark outfit, but it can expect a stiff challenge this year from two German automotive giants in their second seasons as full manufacturer entries. Here's how Mercedes and Porsche are doubling down to bridge the gap
The magnificent seven Brits fighting for FE bragging rights
A record seven British drivers will contest Formula E this season, including two squads with all-British lineups. But before they can consider challenging DS Techeetah for the crown, each must lead their teams' recovery to the top
