Designing and building a lightweight electric kart for the Waterloo Electric Vehicle Challenge. The goal was to create a clean, drivable EV with efficient power use, safe electrical systems, and reliable performance over long race durations.
Date
October 2025
Roles
Builder · Designer
Functions
Fast Driving · Endurance Laps
What?
Designed and built a lightweight electric kart chassis for endurance racing
Integrated protected electronics and organized wiring for reliability and safety
Developed a drivetrain and gearing system optimized for efficiency and steady speed
Focused on long runtime and predictable handling rather than maximum acceleration
Built the vehicle to meet competition safety and inspection requirements
How?
Designed a lightweight but durable chassis structure for stability and reduced drag
Installed strain-relieved wiring and protected electrical components to prevent failures
Selected efficient motor gearing to balance speed, torque, and battery endurance
Tuned the vehicle for consistent speed and smooth handling on track
Conducted testing and adjustments to optimize reliability before racing
Results:
Successfully built a fully drivable electric kart meeting competition safety standards
Achieved stable handling and efficient power usage — 33+ km/h, 35+ laps in 70 min
Demonstrated strong integration of mechanical design, electrical systems, and drivetrain tuning
Developed practical experience in EV design, wiring safety, and endurance optimization
