Kyle Lawrence impressed by Rotax E20 e-Kart test in Italy

After a weekend commentating at the Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Finals, I had the unique opportunity to test drive the Rotax E20 electric kart on the Sunday following the event. To be honest, I had mixed expectations. After watching the E20s race all weekend, I was prepared for a kart that might feel heavy and lacking in throttle control. I envisioned the kind of electric kart that would give me a sudden jolt of acceleration and long stretches of waiting to brake - hardly the thrilling experience I’ve come to expect from karting!

However, what I discovered was an entirely different experience that completely reshaped my perception of electric karting.

The E20 kart I drove had competed the day before on the challenging Napoli circuit. I had never driven the track in real life, although I had a few laps on the simulator, and watched karts race around the past week. I was familiar with the general layout, but now it was time to experience it first-hand.

Initially, I had a briefing to go through the basics of its operation. The most significant point of interest was the AIM MyChron dash on the steering wheel, which would provide me with vital information during the session. The process of switching the kart on using the Sea-Doo key was straightforward, and I was quickly amazed by how the data system communicated every aspect of the kart's performance, ensuring safe operation. After a quick adjustment to the pedals, I was ready to go. Despite having only 10% battery, I was told the kart would be fully charged in about 45 minutes. I had anticipated a longer wait, but to my surprise, the E20 was ready to roll on a full charge in less than an hour.

With the nerves building as I sat in the kart, I was ready to hit the track. The moment I applied pressure to the throttle, I was taken aback by the smooth, progressive acceleration. Contrary to the harsh, on-off throttle response I expected from e-kart, the E20 delivered power gradually and predictably. At quarter throttle, the kart felt responsive, so I decided to push harder. I floored it and was instantly impressed - the E20 accelerated much like a KZ kart, despite being heavier. The kart didn't hit a peak and plateau either. It continued to accelerate all the way through the short run to turn 2 until I applied the brake. Once familiar with the track, warming the brakes and tires, and finding my rhythm to feel comfortable, I started pushing and found myself adapting to the unique feel of the kart.

One of the biggest challenges I encountered was the complete lack of noise from the engine. In traditional combustion karts, the roaring engine and the sound of the chain provide critical feedback for the driver. But in the E20, there was no loud engine noise, only the whir of the electric motor, the tires on the asphalt, and the wind rushing past my helmet. This change in sensory input took some adjustment, as my perception of speed was completely different. Reaching speeds of 130 km/h, I realized just how crucial sound is in karting for judging speed and throttle control. However, the absence of noise did allow me to focus more on the feel of the kart. Every movement of the tires on the track surface became a key sensory input that helped me understand exactly how the kart was handling.

The E20 is a relatively heavy kart, and that weight became very noticeable, particularly in the braking zones and through corners. The kart took a little longer to respond compared to lighter karts, which required a change in my driving style. "Slow in, fast out" was the mantra for the day. With this, I learned to manage the kart's weight and power more effectively.

One of the key features of the E20 is the "Boost button," which delivers a surge of power for several seconds that then regenerates within thirty seconds. It seemed best for me to use this to exit some corners, providing a controlled but exciting increase in power, rather than a wild rush at the end of a straight. The steering felt heavier due to its weight, requiring more physical effort as the kart reached higher speeds. Despite this, the E20’s handling was impressively forgiving. While it is still essential to position the kart through corners, the power delivery meant that minor mistakes could be easily corrected without losing much time. For me, it’s a more approachable kart to drive than a traditional combustion kart that I found far less demanding in terms of managing the throttle to avoid bogging down.

What really struck me was how the E20’s power delivery works. There’s no power band to worry about—just a smooth, linear progression of speed from the moment you apply the throttle. This made it easier to balance throttle through corners and focus more on placing the kart precisely where it needed to be to extract the maximum performance. After nine laps, I was buzzing with adrenaline. The kart felt fast, responsive, and a true joy to drive. 

Following the 45-minutes charging time, I headed out for my second session feeling more confident with the track and the kart. However, as soon as I applied the throttle, I was immediately aware of the additional power setting I had. This is easily changed with the cut-off key that also has the software to alter the mode between Junior, Senior and Qualifying. It took a couple of laps to adjust and learn to manage the increased performance, although I found myself entering corners too fast and getting on the throttle too early. But once I got into a rhythm, I enjoyed it. The more I drove, the more I appreciated how forgiving the E20 is. Slight errors on corner entry didn’t result in massive understeer or oversteer; the kart’s power was more than enough to recover. It’s a much more accessible experience for a driver who wants to focus on driving technique rather than constantly tuning the kart. The linear power delivery made it easy to experiment, without worrying about flooding the carb.

After speaking with the Rotax engineers, I was amazed to learn that the e-powertrain onboard had over 1,200 hours of use. The only maintenance performed had been changing the gear oil in the motor - no other parts had been replaced or tuned. With over 6,000 charge cycles, the kart still ran like a dream, showcasing the impressive durability and reliability of the E20 platform.

The Rotax E20 is more than just a new type of kart; it’s a paradigm shift in how we approach karting events. With no need for constant tuning or adjusting carburetors and chassis set-up, drivers can simply arrive at the track, get into the kart, and focus purely on driving. Minor tweaks to tire pressure and chassis set-up are still needed, but the main emphasis is on the driver’s skill. It means less experienced drivers can compete on a more level playing field with seasoned racers, honing their skills without the pressure of constant adjustments. It also opens up opportunities for rookies to race alongside veterans, accelerating their growth in the sport and learning invaluable racecraft.

In summary, the E20 is an exceptional concept that I believe has the potential to revolutionize karting. Its simplicity, ease of use, and performance make it ideal for both competitors and newcomers alike. I would love to see more events incorporating the E20 across the world, allowing more drivers to experience the thrill of karting without the need for complex adjustments. The future of karting is electric and the E20 is leading the charge.