An insight into electric karting
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ELECTRIC KART ROTAX PROJECT E20
An insight into
electric karting
Although they are not very different from other karts, those with electric power
are bringing a new dimension to racing, hitting the tracks packed with the latest
on-board features – which means learning more about how we manage the
technology and understand the safety aspects to fully appreciate the unique
performance on offer. Let’s see what is best to know the first time you climb into
a kart like the Rotax E20
Text M. Voltini and Rotax Press Office
62 MARCH 2021
O
ver the past three race the noise and the exhaust emissions FOR ROTAX IT IS ALMOST
seasons, we have witnessed caused by traditional engines, it A MISSION
the obvious improvements in becomes more and more difficult to Jean-François Lambert, GM BRP-
competitiveness, drivability open new tracks or even run existing Rotax, Member of the Management
and autonomy of the Rotax eKart, tracks. The electric drive categories Board and VP R&D Powertrain and
highlighted in 2020 with the (like Formula E) are already a fixed EV about the eTechnology developed
introduction of their in-house part in motorsport now gaining more for the karting business: «BRP-Rotax
production Generation 2 Project E20 and more space and success. Although is a leader in the development and
edition. the vehicles are not very different from production of innovative 4- and
In terms of sustainability, nowadays the others, there are several things to 2- stroke high performance Rotax
eTechnology is gaining more and more learn at the first approach to driving engines. We are well aware of the
importance in every area of mobility. them. E-karting is offering the first current global trends and movement
And this includes racing as well. Due step for racers to get in touch with this towards a cleaner, more efficient
to numerous ecological problems like new technology. future as a reputable combustion
“Developing eTechnology not only
enhances the kart segment of our
business , it also increases our
knowledge extending to all other BRP
recreational products.”
MARCH 2021 63
ELECTRIC KART ROTAX PROJECT E20
engine manufacturer, with an ongoing
commitment to this. By understanding
and developing eTechnology, among
others, not only enhances the kart
segment of our business for potential
customers worldwide, it also increases
our knowledge extending to all other
BRP recreational products.»
«In effect, the Rotax initiative to
introduce the eKart as a full racing
model, already competing over the
past three seasons, is another example
The instrument specially developed for the Rotax Project E20 can signal isolation problems of our ability to take the next step in
of the electrical apparatus even with red lights. It also shows the charge and temperature being prepared to meet the demands
status of the battery pack, as well as the gear between N, R and D (respectively neutral, and expectations of the market. In
reverse and drive) which is activated via the buttons on the steering wheel many countries, noise and pollution
emissions have threatened the longevity
of our sport, the existence of circuits
and the karting industry, and still
continue to do so. For Rotax, eKarting
should be a sustainable option available
for everyone.»
THE PROJECT E20 RIVALS
THE ROTAX DD2
At this point we want to focus our
attention on the eKart itself, the one
selected to support the DEKM (German
Electric Kart Championship) by the
ALL RELEVANT SAFETY AND breakthrough series partners for the
OPERATING INFORMATION IS third year of the championship in 2020
CLEARLY INDICATED ON THE and again this season.
STEERING WHEEL DASH DISPLAY: The Rotax Project E20 is the latest
variation of this electric-powered kart,
If the vehicle is turned ON in NEUTRAL, and takes advantage of the experience
DRIVE or REVERSE
gained previously with the Rotax
Isolation fault (red lights displayed) THUNDeR model, compared to which
Battery charge level and battery it has 25% improved performance and
temperature is 7% lighter, also taking advantage
of a better weight distribution and
Boost function (lights indicating
countdown) greater autonomy. The combined air/
liquid-cooled permanent magnet
Amount of laps completed synchronous drive unit delivers 24
Lap times & split times kW (about 33hp) with a torque of 190
Nm, allowing you to reach 135 km/h
Here you can see the “start with the fixed gear ratio used. The
/ stop” switch to turn the Rotax powertrain is assembled on the
kart on and off, the red chassis (a Sigma model by Sodikart)
general safety switch and exactly as it is for the DD2 class, that is,
a “pin” also designed to mounted to replace the right supports
isolate the entire electrical of the rear axle. It’s a very “clean”
system solution from all points of view. There
64 MARCH 2021
are many similarities with the DD2,
starting from the wheelbase and the WHAT THE ROTAX DRIVERS SAY
braking system with discs also at the Xen de Ruwe, race driver & coach, a multiple
front, to conclude with performances champion at international and national level
that in acceleration have proved to be having raced in many categories, and on the
almost equivalent. But we will talk world podium at the RMC Grand Finals or
more about their behaviour on the Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Finals «My first
track in a future article, as soon as the impression after testing the Rotax Project E20
weather conditions and the restrictions eKart is that it was an amazing experience!
connected to Covid-19 allow a direct It’s been something completely new, very
and in-depth approach with this kart. fast instant acceleration, exceptional top
In the meantime, however, all those speed, stable and quite easy in the handling.
who have tried it were extremely It was a very pleasant surprise for me and
satisfied, especially for its great torque has been a slightly different experience to
that “slams you back into the seat” other categories that I have raced over the
in acceleration from the very first years. As there is no sound, you focus a lot on
moment. other things, for example: the wind that blows through the visor, the sound
it makes when you run over the curbs and the squealing of the tyres. It’s
HOW DOES THE ROTAX PROJECT amazing because with other go-karts you don’t hear these things due to the
E20 COMPARE? noise. On day two, we played around a little with various set-ups, analysed
Karting that is widely “more the data and tried to get the most out of the go-kart, just as we do normally
traditional” and not powered by when testing. With the E20, it’s a different feeling and you can drive in a
eTechnology includes endless different way. It was It was a great emotion and experience great emotion!»
variations: different engine capacity,
single or gearbox configuration, chassis Mathilda Olsson (SWE), Rotax MAX
type and protection systems, weight, European Champion 2019 & 2020, Team
tyre compounds, rules and regulations, Sweden member 2021 – «I’ve been karting
etc. In the case of the newly introduced for six years now and recently had a go in
Project E20, there are also variables the electric kart (Project E20) for the first
that set it apart from the others, time, which was quite exciting! I wanted
which will change with the constant to try it and see what the difference was
development as eTechnology evolves. compared to the engine I usually drive with,
The linear torque characteristics are the Rotax MAX. I really enjoyed driving the
very impressive; instant acceleration Rotax Project E20, it was good fun and it was
without delay! This is definitely an definitely different. With the eKart you can
eKart buzz that every race driver actually hear everything. The power off the
is impressed about. It‘s an entirely corners was also good compared to what I
different feeling to what they are normally drive and yeah, the speed was great!
accustomed to with any combustion I didn’t think it would be that fast with the eKart, but as soon as I jumped in
engine acceleration. There’s also the the kart and touched the gas, it was like ‘okay this is going to be fast!’ Also,
coolest feature that everyone loves – the there’s a boost button on the steering wheel and if you push that, it really is
“boost” function – that provides an even quicker again on track. Electric is something different and of course,
extra 4kw of power you can activate there is a place for it because there are people who want to drive with this
each lap for five seconds of up to 10km type of power, just as there are those who want to drive
extra speed by pressing the blue button fuel-powered karts too. You miss a little bit the sound and
on the steering wheel. It regenerates smell of the engine… but at the same time it’s going really
every 30 seconds, so you’re good to go fast, so I think you just have to learn how the kart works
when you need that added power push. and then it would be very good. For me, was fun to drive
Depending on the circuit layout, electric! And naturally I would love to have try it in a race
the average lap times of the eKart as well.»
are generally somewhere between
a Senior Rotax MAX and the Rotax
MARCH 2021 65
ELECTRIC KART ROTAX PROJECT E20
DD2 classes. The E20 weighs in at checking a multitude of parameters The Rotax eKart technical team is
140kg (mainly due to the batteries), to ensure the safety of the eKart. In trained and certified in the use of the
compared to about 90kg for an average the event of a failure, the system shuts new electric kart technology, including
combustion engine race kart. With down and isolates the batteries so there the powertrains and Lithium batteries.
the extra weight, the driving feeling is won’t be energy present in the chassis At any race meetings with the Rotax-
different as the load transfer of the kart or any of its components. If the system produced Project E20 eKart, the team
(cornering and braking) is noticeably does shut down, the driver needs to is always there to oversee and support
more, however, it’s interesting to remove the magnetic ignition key (a the participants and mechanics. The
see that most drivers immediately green plastic toggle-switch connected race director and team of flag marshals
comment on how exhilarating the by a curly cable to the control panel) undergo a safety briefing prior to every
driving experience is in all conditions. then replace it to let it reset, before event with regular training provided
There are two Lithium batteries restarting with the “ON” button. The to ultimately ensure a quick reaction
mounted on each side with a capacity display will show the ignition is on, so time, if it was necessary to support
of approximately 15 minutes or 18 laps the start procedure should be followed, competitors on track due to racing
on a 1000 meters circuit with around by pressing both the red and blue incidents.
45 minutes total recharging time. buttons together on the steering wheel, Everyone who attends a track day with
Following each session, the the Project E20 is given a
mechanic can easily manage safety briefing before they
this by fitting the specially begin to prepare or drive
designed streamlined the eKart. This includes a
cooling fans to the top basic introduction to the
of each battery before E20 explaining how the
connecting the cable from vehicle operates, how to
the charging unit. Once start and stop, how the
the charger is turned on, boost works to assists the
the dash display indicates performance and also
the amount of charge and understanding the dash
battery temperature. display. By explaining
It should be noted that the the safety systems built
battery autonomy or length into the vehicle and how
of time the battery will last this works to protect the
at a specified load level could driver in the event of any
change when the kart is failure, in addition to the
driven at a slower speed (e.g. recovery procedure out on
a new driver) resulting in the circuit, the necessary
more time on track before they need to until the system goes from NEUTRAL features and what can be expected is
be charged again. into DRIVE. all made clear from the beginning.
While driving, when the battery This means the participants have more
reaches a level low enough that it will CERTIFICATION & TRAINING insight, confidence and knowledge
soon need to be recharged, the dash The technology used for the Project about the Project E20 to ensure they
displays a message saying “RETURN E20 is similar to what is found today can really enjoy this exciting new
TO PIT” which can also be indicated in electric motorcycles, cars, rallycross karting experience. BRP-Rotax is now
if the system detects an error. There and Formula E. Therefore, the Rotax offering test days in the Project E20
is a specific start-up sequence, as eKart has undergone numerous from the middle of March at Prokart
well as for shutting the system down. different tests at the independent Raceland in Wackersdorf, Germany.
All participants are given very clear DEKRA institute, an FIA approved This is an ideal opportunity for drivers
instructions about this procedure, testing centre, based on the required who are interested in competing in the
as the kart will not go into drive or technical and safety standards. DEKM series in 2021 to experience
accelerate away without following this DEKRA has confirmed and certified the special feeling of eKart racing for
simple process. that the Rotax Project E20 has met the the first time. Stay tuned for more
The integrity of the system is monitored regulations as defined by the DMSB information on www.rotax-kart.com or
by the isolation fault monitoring system (German Motorsport Federation) check out www.dekm.de for details on
(ISO watcher) which is constantly working together with FIA Karting. how to register today.
66 MARCH 2021
The orange electric
ROTAX PROJECT E20 TECHNICAL
cables are the
ones where the DATA SHEET
high voltage Motor Rotax
current passes: Permanent
it is therefore Magnet
better to respect Synchronous
them, when you Motor (PMSM)
get in and out of Cooling Combined
the kart or you are air-liquid system
working on it…
Transmission integrated into
The electric motor the engine
developed by
Rotax integrates Batteries Lithium-ion
the transmission Nominal voltage 350 Volts
as already
E-braking/ available
happens for the
Recuperation
DD2 engines, so
much so that it Boost and reverse driver activated
requires the use of functions extra 4 kW
the same type of Max performance 24 kW / 135 km/h
frame, produced by
Sodikart Chassis Sodi Sigma DD2
Tubes diameter 30 mm
Wheelbase 1040 mm
Brakes Hydraulic
brakes, 2 front
discs and 1 rear
disc
MARCH 2021 67
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