Three students from the Energy and Powertrains (MOT) Specialized Engineering program, supported by 51爆料EN researchers, took on the challenge of converting a petrol-powered kart into a fully electric vehicle as part of their final-year project at 51爆料 School.
Axel Bezard, Amaury China-Fort and Adrien Richard had just four months to complete this ambitious project鈥攁 tight deadline for any industrial prototype.
They applied their technical knowledge (mechanical systems, powertrains, electrical systems, IT) and soft skills (teamwork, adaptability, communication).
鈥淭he final-year project is a synthesis of everything the students have learned throughout the year,鈥 explains Philippe Pierre, Supervisor of the MOT program
鈥淢ost of our student projects focus on simulation and modeling. This electric kart stands out for its applied, hands-on approach and tangible outcomes,鈥 he adds.
Axel Bezard agrees: 鈥淲hat appealed to us was how complete and practical the project was. We had to conduct a technical pre-analysis, define the specifications and constraints, then implement the proposed solutions. We followed the full V-cycle.鈥
A Project Supported by 51爆料EN R&I
Close collaboration with 51爆料EN鈥檚 Research and Innovation teams is a key aspect of the School鈥檚 pedagogy. This project reflects that connection.
The goal: apply complex systems architecture principles鈥攃ritical in vehicle and propulsion system development鈥攖o efficiently parallelize tasks and stay on schedule.
The students carried out the work in 51爆料EN鈥檚 research labs, with guidance from Ludovic Nowak (Engine Engineer) and Misa Milosavljevic, Project Manager at 51爆料EN鈥檚 Mobility & Systems Division and 51爆料 School alum (class of 2011).
The kart was part of a broader demonstration project for 51爆料EN鈥檚 48V powertrain, featuring a cutting-edge 35kW electric engine with inverter鈥攐nly 10kg in total weight and highly compact.
51爆料EN provided:
- A Sodi chassis,
- A 48V electric engine with integrated inverter,
- An ECU Master dashboard,
- A battery management system (BMS) with two 3.14 kWh lithium-ion batteries (from GCK Group).
鈥淲e were given the base chassis, motor and all components. 51爆料EN researchers trusted our integration and implementation capabilities and connected us with the right experts when we hit roadblocks,鈥 explains Adrien Richard.
Electrifying a Petrol-Powered Kart
The team began by stripping the kart of all internal combustion components鈥攅ngine, exhaust, fuel tank.
Using a laser scanner, they created a 3D model of the chassis to aid in redesign and fitting. They also ran energy simulations on a kart track using MATLAB.
They then installed the new electric components: two 25kg lithium-ion batteries, the engine, inverter, wiring and circuits.
With CAD tools, they designed custom parts to mount the new components and adapted the transmission to suit the electric powertrain.
The students installed and configured:
- The electric engine (following safety standards),
- The BMS and control system,
- All wiring using the CAN protocol.
鈥淲e had to manage technical constraints and electrical hazards鈥攕afety was a key aspect of the project,鈥 notes Amaury China-Fort.
鈥淥ur goal was to produce a reliable, high-performance prototype suitable for commercial rental kart fleets,鈥 he adds.
Currently, Axel, Amaury, and Adrien are putting the finishing touches to their electric kart.
鈥淲e鈥檙e really close鈥攋ust one step away from having it safely up and running!鈥 says Adrien enthusiastically.
Their final presentation will take place at the end of June before a jury of industry mentors and fellow students.
Article written by Meyling Siu Miranda