Bosch has developed an all-electric powertrain for the FIA’s e-kart concept. The powertrain is the result of a collaboration between Bosch, FIA Electric, the New Energy Commission, the German Motorsport Association (DMSB), and kart manufacturer, Mach 1. Its formal unveiling is set to take place on 21 May 2016 at the FIA Formula E Berlin ePrix.
The “e-kart” is able to deliver instant torque, propelling the racing kart from 0 to 60mph in under five seconds and on to a top speed of more than 80mph. It is powered using Bosch’s boost recuperation system (BRS), which will enter production in 2017 as a entry-level hybrid system for road cars.
“With the e-kart, the FIA, DMSB, and Bosch are together laying the foundations for ‘electrifying’ performance kart racing,” explained Dr. Markus Heyn, member of the board of management of Robert Bosch GmbH. “Just as it has on the roads, electrification will bring more excitement, driving pleasure and greater efficiency to race tracks.”
The Bosch BRS delivers 20kW and 300Nm of torque to the rear axle. Energy is stored in the system using a 48v lithium battery, as the system can recovers energy during recuperation, for use when accelerating. A custom ECU controls the energy flow throughout the kart, paired to sensors and a custom wiring harness.
“Even during its initial run, the electric kart was able to hit 62mph in less than five seconds and achieve a top speed of over 80mph,” added Dr. Klaus Böttcher, vice president of Bosch Motorsport. “Over the coming weeks and months we will continue testing to further explore the capabilities of the new e-kart.”
