Unlike other Japanese car brands, Honda is the correct name of their parent company. So they have a lot of business besides cars. For example, there are lawn mowers, generators and even airplanes, among others. Honda, which is not doing business, has launched a new toy, which is an electric go-kart concept car - eGX model.
The eGX electric kart comes with two 1.3 kWh batteries that last 45 minutes and can be replaced in less than 30 seconds. The electric system uses an electric motor, but enough for the eGX kart to excel. The vehicle weighs about 104 kg, which is somewhat heavier than comparable petrol karts. The battery takes about 5 hours to charge, but the simple battery replacement procedure saves the go-kart from having to wait long times to run out of power.
The eGX kart uses Honda's removable power pack (MPP) battery, which is easy to replace. The dimensions of the MPP battery are about 29.72 cm × 15.75 cm × 17.78 cm and weigh about 10.3 kg. Due to its robust structure, it is very convenient to carry the battery. MPP batteries are already in service in Japan, and e-motorcycle riders can quickly replace their drained batteries in order to continue driving at charging stations, replacing the process of waiting for the battery to charge.
The kart uses approximately 50 volt batteries, each of which can store 1.3 kWh, and the two MPP units are used in series, making them more efficient than battery systems arranged in parallel, providing 35 to 45 minutes of driving time.
Replacing a new battery takes less than 30 seconds. Simply open the plastic cover, pull up the locking mechanism on the handle, and slide the battery out. The whole process is extremely simple, the MPP battery can only be put in one way, and the locking mechanism will make a noticeable "click" sound to indicate that the battery is inserted correctly.
This kart uses the Parolin chassis, which is a slight improvement over the traditional model. Honda did not announce the power output of the rear seat motor, but the car's power performance is excellent. The eGX has a top speed of around 72km/h, which is far more than the maximum speed you can drive in a go-kart park. The instantaneous torque of the electric motor allows the eGX to react very quickly and the power does not drop when accelerating.
In addition, the eGX kart is similar to other karts, with extremely high grip, very heavy steering feel, and sensitive braking. The car has only a 7.6-inch diameter rear brake disc that can be used in corners, making deceleration smoother during cornering.
The biggest advantage of eGX is its simplicity. By removing the internal combustion engine and all the liquid it needs, the car becomes virtually maintenance-free. On the eGX, the only parts that need to be replaced are the tires, as well as changing the battery every 45 minutes. Of course, getting the most out of a replaceable battery system requires the purchase of additional batteries. This can become a big expense for people who own their own go-karts, even though it's only a one-time cost. Honda did not disclose the pricing of the battery cells for the time being.