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#Post#: 14030--------------------------------------------------
1899 La Jamais Contente
By: Mac Date: October 30, 2025, 3:30 pm
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It's been over 3 years since I first started procrastinating
over building a CycleKart - then I started a degree (at the age
of 40!) and life, work, kids all sort of took over all my free
time and mental capacity...
But I see the error in my ways! I was hesitating because I knew
something wasn't quite clicking with my build thoughts - what I
really wanted to do was electric! So back to the drawing board
and I think a more fitting tribute to my "enthusiastic"
endeavours is the 1899 La Jamais Contente; the first motorcar to
clock over 100km/h!
Now the twist/punchline... Its going to be electric!
[attach=1]
now even I can see that isn't going to stay upright past the
first corner, so I'll likely sprinkle a little creative swarf
and make it more like so:
[attach=2]
Looking at a relatively simple first pass following a similar
formula to F24+ with some inspiration from the Hacky Racers.
2x 12v AGM batteries, a suitable motor/modified alternator and
an off the shelf controller board. Longer term I'll probably
look at a DIY controller build, LiFePO4 cells, enabling
regenerative braking and maybe a push to pass function?? That
last one will likely cause the regs to be adjusted before its
even been soldered ;D
I'll be documenting and sharing as much of the build on here as
I can and am happy to share all experiences and data for the
greater good of the community.
Now I just need to order those wheels...
#Post#: 14031--------------------------------------------------
Re: 1899 La Jamais Contente
By: Granville Date: October 30, 2025, 3:55 pm
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Looking forward to watching this one being built.
#Post#: 14032--------------------------------------------------
Re: 1899 La Jamais Contente
By: NewbieNick Date: October 31, 2025, 12:06 am
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Hi Mac, good inspiration car, are you sticking with the tiller
type steering? It値l be nice to see a working electric kart at
an event.
Good luck with the build 👍
#Post#: 14033--------------------------------------------------
Re: 1899 La Jamais Contente
By: Ian F Date: October 31, 2025, 6:13 am
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Hi Mac, thanks for starting a build diary, it will be very
interesting to see how the project comes along.
The current handbook is essentially written for cyclekarts using
internal combustion engines, consequently some of the
regulations may need to change or have additional clarification.
A typical example would be the fire extinguisher regulation as
dry powder fire extinguishers may not be suitable for fires that
some batteries may be prone to. Therefore, when designing your
propulsion system please can you also investigate the arising
risks and possible mitigations, because these may need to be
agreed by the committee and then written into the regulations.
Please also bear in mind that the committee are all volunteers
who meet once per month, subsequently it may take a meeting for
the query to be presented, then one or more meetings for further
investigations, discussions and finally a decision. Therefore,
the more information you can provide, the shorter this process
should be.
Good luck.
#Post#: 14035--------------------------------------------------
Re: 1899 La Jamais Contente
By: Mac Date: November 1, 2025, 6:38 am
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[quote author=Ian Fletcher link=topic=1873.msg14033#msg14033
date=1761909188]
Hi Mac, thanks for starting a build diary, it will be very
interesting to see how the project comes along.
The current handbook is essentially written for cyclekarts using
internal combustion engines, consequently some of the
regulations may need to change or have additional clarification.
A typical example would be the fire extinguisher regulation as
dry powder fire extinguishers may not be suitable for fires that
some batteries may be prone to. Therefore, when designing your
propulsion system please can you also investigate the arising
risks and possible mitigations, because these may need to be
agreed by the committee and then written into the regulations.
Please also bear in mind that the committee are all volunteers
who meet once per month, subsequently it may take a meeting for
the query to be presented, then one or more meetings for further
investigations, discussions and finally a decision. Therefore,
the more information you can provide, the shorter this process
should be.
Good luck.
[/quote]
Thanks Ian, as a starter for ten I知 planning on using the
Formula 24+ tech regs as a guide (bulkheads separating batteries
from driver compartment, quick disconnects, etc.) I値l plan to
source off the shelf components for the benefit of the committee
and to (eventually) evaluate real world performance vs petrol.
I知 looking at bench testing a 24v setup but with a view to
experiment up to 48v. Batteries possibly situated up front with
the motor driving the rear axle.
This is about as far as I致e gone as I need to order the wheels,
axles, brakes - the standard bits - before tackling the
powertrain.
#Post#: 14036--------------------------------------------------
Re: 1899 La Jamais Contente
By: Mac Date: November 1, 2025, 6:41 am
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[quote author=NewbieNick link=topic=1873.msg14032#msg14032
date=1761887166]
Hi Mac, good inspiration car, are you sticking with the tiller
type steering? It値l be nice to see a working electric kart at
an event.
Good luck with the build 👍
[/quote]
Thanks, I値l probably stick to a steering wheel as I知 hopeful
it値l be competitive eventually!!
#Post#: 14041--------------------------------------------------
Re: 1899 La Jamais Contente
By: Mac Date: November 2, 2025, 6:13 am
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[attach=1]
Quick Sunday morning knockup on Sketchup...
Bodywork might get scaled down to the minimum height required
for size 10's to keep the illusion of a torpedo on wheels.
Old metal ladder has been accosted for the chassis so I'll start
building the drivetrain as a working "skateboard" before
worrying about the body.
Need to sit down with a tape measure and work out the space
required for the drivers cell and position that on the
skateboard - I'm guessing a 50/50 weight distribution is most
desirable? Works for Ferrari I guess...
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