FIA to sanction official classes and championships for electric go-karts

Karting has always been considered the first step on the ladder to Formula One. Most drivers in F1 have started their careers racing these small open wheelers before graduating into the junior formula categories.

Now that the FIA is leaning more towards introducing sustainability in motorsports, karting is also set to enter an electrified era. The World Motor Sport Council has approved the set of technical and homologation regulations, which will see the birth of Junior and Senior e-karting classes and championships.

The new framework covers key areas such as e-drivetrain suppliers, voltage limits, weight distribution, and powertrain integration, which expand upon the existing e-karting technical regulations that governed the e-karting mini class that was introduced in October 2023.

The Junior and Senior e-karting classes limit voltage to 60V, with their batteries required to be positioned in a central position below the steering column. Power is capped at 31 PS for Junior e-karts and 38 PS for Senior classes. The extensive research, testing, and evaluation were conducted by the FIA Technical and Safety Departments over the last year, at the request of the FIA Karting Department.

FIA says the new initiative aims to accelerate the development of international e-karting by enabling new events, competitions, and championships worldwide. For local karting communities like ours, this global shift could open the door for future electric karting series and youth development programs, and open up another ladder towards the pinnacle, which is Formula One, or even in sustainable motorsports such as Formula E and Extreme E.

“E-karting presents a significant opportunity to contribute to the continued growth of global karting, and these regulations will unlock fresh possibilities for events and championships around the world. With the launch of new e-karting classes, the inaugural Arrive and Drive Continental Championship, and the largest FIA Karting calendar to date, 2026 is shaping up to be a golden year for karting,” said Akbar Ebrahim, FIA Karting Commission President.