For decades, karting has served as the first step for young drivers who want to enter the world of motorsport. One of the sustainable modalities serving this purpose is the German Electric Kart Championship (DEKM), one of the world’s leading representatives of this discipline.
This championship is the sustainable version of German Karting, which is aimed at young drivers with an eye to the future, not only of their careers, but also of sustainable mobility by promoting the use of zero-emission vehicles, gradually creating awareness of new modes of transport that use sport as a window of exposure.
DEKM Vehicle
DEKM races under the banner of the German Motorsport Association, which has deployed its full potential during the 2021 season using the Rotax High Performance Racing eKart “Project E20” as the main source, as it is the official vehicle of the championship.
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It is equipped with a Sodi Sigma DD2 chassis specially designed for e-Kart competition, Vega tires and the ability to accelerate from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in 3.5 seconds, with 135 km/h as top speed thanks to the Rotax ePowerpack.
The vehicle features two front brakes, one rear brake, ROTAX permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) including reverse gear; 1.40 millimeter wheelbase; Lithium-ion batteries featuring BMS (battery management system) and IMD (insulation monitoring device); air and liquid cooling system, 350 V voltage, 24 kW power and a weight of approximately 140 kilograms.
DEKM Principles
As it is based on a competition where young pilots prepare to be the next champions of tomorrow, equal opportunities serve as the main flag of the category, strengthening the good practices for a correct and optimal operation of the DEKM.
One of the requirements for drivers to compete in the DEKM is to have, at least, a national kart license DMSB level A (NKA) or an equivalent foreign national kart license, including foreign exit permit.
DEKM Season 2021
The 2021 DEKM campaign featured five races: two in Wackersdorf, two in Pods and one in Genk (Belgium). With 12 drivers taking part, Frenchman Oscar Pellemele emerged as the new Champion of the German electrified karting division with 181 points, followed by Finland’s Aleksi Jalava.
Written by | Ronald Ortega