Year 12 Engineering Studies

Electric Go-Kart Project

This year, our Year 12 Engineering Studies students took on the exciting challenge of designing and building an electric racing go-kart. The project aimed to explore the growing potential of electric power in motorsport, demonstrating how modern brushless motor technology can provide a sustainable and high-performance alternative to traditional internal combustion engines.

To ensure a fair comparison with industry-standard racing karts, students began with a professional racing go-kart rolling chassis. Extensive research was undertaken to evaluate brushless motors and sine-wave controllers before selecting a powertrain capable of meeting the project's performance goals. Once the components were sourced, students set about integrating them into the chassis.

Throughout the project, students applied a wide range of engineering skills, including 3D CAD design, technical modelling, prototyping and advanced manufacturing processes. Designs were brought to life using laser cutting, 3D printing and CNC plasma cutting technologies. A key engineering requirement was that the original chassis could not be modified through cutting or welding, preserving its structural integrity and ensuring the conversion system could potentially be adapted to other race-specification karts. Students also undertook significant research, testing and programming to optimise the performance of the electric drivetrain.

The completed kart exceeded expectations. From the first test of the throttle, it was clear that the electric power system delivered impressive performance. To evaluate the kart in a real racing environment, the class partnered with High Voltage Entertainment, who generously provided access to their racetrack. The opportunity proved even more valuable than anticipated, with students able to benchmark their design against both the venue's hire karts and a purpose-built European electric racing kart.

Six Engineering Studies students participated in the testing day, putting the kart through its paces and recording competitive lap times. While the school-built kart could not quite match the performance of the industry-leading BSR X5 electric race kart, it achieved an outstanding result by recording lap times two seconds faster than the venue's hire karts.

The day also provided students with the opportunity to engage with experienced racers and motorsport professionals, gaining valuable feedback and identifying possible future improvements. Most importantly, the project demonstrated how the knowledge and skills developed within the Design and Technology department can be applied to solve real-world engineering challenges.

The project was a tremendous success, leaving students with a strong sense of achievement and pride in producing a competitive electric racing kart capable of holding its own alongside professional-grade machines. It was a memorable example of innovation, teamwork and practical engineering in action.

Mark Cusworth

Teaching Staff