On 24 April, 2011 I had the honour to witness the record attempt for “The Fastest 0-60 mph Acceleration by an Electric Kart” at the Motorsport Arena in Oschersleben, Germany.
The record was attempted by the “Linde Material Handling” company, which has its headquarters in Aschaffenburg, Germany, as one of the world's leading lift truck and warehouse truck producers.
The record attempt took place as a part of the “ADAC GT MASTERS WEEKEND” competition; which is a grand tourer-based auto racing series supported by the German ADAC automotive club.
The ADAC (Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil-Club e.V.), is Germany´s and Europe's largest automobile club. They were the official partner of Linde Material Handling company for this world record attempt.
The E-Kart “Linde E1” was specifically produced for this event and its drive unit is manufactured with the original units that are used in the lift trucks. The only difference is Linde E1's lithium ion battery, since lift trucks use lead acid batteries.
By creating this special E-Kart, Linde aimed to prove everyone how powerful, precise and efficient their products are.
On the day of the record attempt, we arrived at the Oschersleben Motorsport Arena around 11.00 o'clock. The famous German channel “kabel eins” was broadcasting the awesome scene live and everyone, young and old, was there among the massive crowd.
Meanwhile, the Linde team was completing the final preparations before the record attempt.
A little whole before the attempt, the E-Kart was taken to the race area with two Linde lift trucks.
Everybody took their seats, including the driver Mr. Andreas Wolf, who came from Austria exclusively for this record attempt.
A special equipment called “Performance Box” was attached to the car. This would measure the time it takes until the acceleration reaches from 0 to 60 mph (96.56 km/h). Guinness World Records had opened up a new category for this record attempt as it was the first attempt ever. According to the guidelines, the final figure of acceleration had to be an average of at least two runs in opposite directions.
When the moment came, the start signal was given and everybody held their breath on a moment of complete silence. The E-Kart launched like a rocket at it was a challenge for the naked eye to follow its speed.
The first run lasted 3,4 seconds and the second run, 3,5 seconds. Still, Linde Material Handling became the first holder of this world record with 3,4 seconds. It was unbelievable!
As soon as I announced the result, the Linde employees congratulated each other in ecstasy and they celebrated it with lots of champagne!
I would like to thank those who realised this project only in 4 months; Linde Marketing Director Mr. Emil Schneider, Product Manager Mr. Frank Bergman and their team, Mr. Eric Hock, Mr. Andreas Wolf, Mr. Siegfried Koechl, Mr. Ronny Grosser and Mr. Uwe Hammerschmidt.
