BRP-Rotax unveils its first e-kart!

In a context, the Krone E-Mobility Play Days, that looks at the future, BRP-Rotax presents its future, the future of karting: the Rotax THUNDeR.

“We are proud to bring our first electric-powered product to the market. E-mobility is an evolving technology in the whole industry and is now part of BRP-Rotax’s growing product portfolio. The Rotax THUNDeR powerpack reflects our DNA: racing experience and always breaking new ground in our markets,” said Thomas Uhr, General Manager BRP-Rotax GmbH & Co KG and Vice President Powertrain BRP.

The THUNDeR will be sold by a newly founded company, the RIC TECH GmbH, that is a joint venture of SMRE Spa, a leading company specialized in the development of highly technological solutions within the field of electrical mobility, and BRP-Rotax GmbH & Co KG, a subsidiary of BRP and leader
in the production and development of engines for recreational vehicles.

“After signing the joint venture agreement in June this year, the launch of the Rotax THUNDeR is the next stage in our successful relationship,” said Samuele Mazzini, CEO of SMRE. “Together we have an ambitious goal: lay the foundation for electric karting in a real racing environment.”

The Rotax THUNDeR powerpack is BRP-Rotax’s first step into this new technology and it is designed for racing purpose. “We wanted to create something specifically for racing. On the market there are a few products for the rental sector, we wanted to create something for racing drivers of the future,” confirmed Thomas Uhr.
With its powerful e-Drive, the Rotax THUNDeR is a premium quality kart powertrain combined with the latest high-performance lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 2.5 kWh. With a top performance of 20 kW and 46 Nm, this innovative electric karting powerpack does not need to fear a comparison with karts with combustion engines. It goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds and has a top speed of 130 km/h. The Rotax THUNDeR powerpack will be available in the second quarter of 2018.

During the event Rotax set up a demonstration race with the participation of the Formula 3 driver and former Rotax series racer Ferdinand Habsburg, who is one of the developer and testimonial of the THUNDeR.

A special race series – the Rotax E-MAX Challenge – is planned to offer kart racers the ultimate karting experience.

For more information about the Rotax THUNDeR e-kart powerpack, please visit the webpage www.racelikeneverbefore.com. The full review will be published on November’s issue of Vroom.

Watch here the videos below!