BRP-Rotax reveals new e-kart project E20
Sarno, Italy, October 26, 2019 – BRP-Rotax proudly presents its latest development in the e-kart field: the E20 project. After launching its first electric race kart powertrain called Rotax THUNDeR in collaboration with SMRE/IET in 2017, BRP-Rotax developed this new electric powertrain entirely in-house. The E20 project was launched during the 20th anniversary of the Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Finals in Sarno, Italy, where the international RMC karting community was present.
"This is the logical next step in our e-kart strategy, said Peter Ölsinger, General Manager BRP-Rotax and Vice President Sales, Marketing RPS-Business & Communications. "The E20 project is developed by racers for racers, and we aim for it to be race-ready by May 2020, he continued.
The e-karts featuring this new technology will likely be raced in the German Electric Kart Championship in 2020, and an international Rotax race series is also being considered.
The new powertrain will be thoroughly tested this year and at the beginning of 2020. It was developed entirely by the R&D team at BRP-Rotax using the extensive experience gained over the years. Thanks to the direct link between the race track and the R&D centre, BRP-Rotax has achieved significant improvements on many fronts with technology that is still new.
Rotaxs new e-unit delivers next-level high-performance lithium-ion battery capacity, drive time and boost function. It is also lighter, more efficient, and equipped with a water-cooled motor and inverter, plus an internal vehicle control unit. The combined effects of these improvements promise to bring the e-kart to the same level as combustion engine racing karts and offer a thrilling driving experience.
What has remained unchanged are the e-karting programs initial objectives: the pursuit of premium quality, a constantly increasing performance level, exciting races, and clean technology, all of which will be made available to a wide range of racers in the future.
BRP-Rotaxs electric powertrain is the most advanced program among BRPs electric explorations. The company recently unveiled six e-concepts within its current product lines and beyond during its annual dealer meeting in Las Vegas this past September.
