Karts are noisy and dirty, aren't they?
Not this one; Bosch, together with the FIA and the DMSB German motorsport association, has developed an electric powertrain for a motorsport kart prototype. The e-kart was unveiled on 21st May at the FIA Formula E Berlin ePrix. Driveline technology developed for the kart will also feature in road cars from 2017.
How does it work?
A 48-volt lithium battery powers the electric motor that delivers 20kW and 300Nm to the back axle of the kart. To enhance performance there is a Boost Recovery System (BRS), which harvests energy to re-use for acceleration. Controlling the system is a custom ECU that manages energy flow throughout the kart. BRS will make its debut in 2017 as an entry-level hybrid system for road cars.
The driveline is fitted to a Mach 1 Kart chassis; in testing the prototype was reported to achieve 0-62mph in less than five seconds with a top speed of over 80mph. Bosch describes the electric kart as 'a clean, fast, and agile performer'.
How does the technology transfer to cars?
Designed for compact vehicles, BRS provides up to 10kW of additional power, which is claimed to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by up to 15 per cent on the road. There's an additional 150Nm of torque available to assist acceleration, too.
John Lambert - 23 May 2016