Solar Electric Go-Kart Construction for Teens: From Design to Track
Solar Electric Go-Kart Construction for Teens (12–16)
AurinkoLab’s Solar Electric Go-Kart Construction project is a hands-on engineering programme for young people aged 12–16. Participants work in small teams to design, build, test and improve their own electric go-karts while learning the fundamentals of mechanical engineering, electronics, electric mobility and sustainable energy.
During the project, participants explore:
- vehicle and chassis design
- mechanical assembly and structural integrity
- electric motors and power systems
- battery management and safe wiring
- braking and steering systems
- telemetry and performance testing
- engineering teamwork and problem-solving
- safety procedures and responsible workshop practices
The programme follows a complete engineering cycle: design → build → test → improve. Participants work with real components and engineering tools and apply STEM concepts to a functional electric vehicle.
The project concludes with testing and team races, giving participants an opportunity to demonstrate their engineering work and reflect on how electric mobility and renewable energy technologies can contribute to a more sustainable future.
Target group: Young people aged 12–16
Format: Hands-on engineering project
Duration: 6 months
Location: Espoo, Finland
Participants: Up to 6 participants in two teams
The programme is supported by EPICS in IEEE and Espoo Youth Services.
Date and Time
Location
Hosts
Registration
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Add Event to Calendar
- Espoo, Sodra Finlands Lan
- Finland
- Contact Event Host
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https://project.aurinkolab.fi
- Co-sponsored by IEEE Try Engineering
- Survey: Fill out the survey
- Starts 30 September 2026 10:00 AM UTC
- Ends 02 October 2026 07:00 AM UTC
- 8 in-person spaces left!
- No Admission Charge
Agenda
13-Session Programme
The programme consists of 13 hands-on engineering sessions, with each session combining a short theoretical introduction and practical workshop activities.
1–4. Foundations & Driving
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Introduction to solar-electric power systems
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Workshop safety and tool training
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Race-track safety
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Go-kart driving and energy-efficiency testing
5–8. Chassis & Mechanics
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Engineering drawings and chassis construction
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Chassis assembly
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Steering system assembly and alignment
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Electric motor installation
9–12. Energy & Electrics
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Transport livery and team design
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Battery and Battery Management System (BMS)
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Electrical wiring and testing
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On-board solar power system and MPPT controller
13. Integration & Final Testing
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System integration and first power-up
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Final commissioning and safety inspection
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Livery and race numbers
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Final test drive and team presentations
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Certificates of completion
Format: 13 sessions · 4 hours per session · hands-on team engineering
Participants: Ages 12–16 · 6 participants · 2 teams
An optional family and community showcase may be organised after the programme, where participants can present their completed go-karts and engineering work.
AurinkoLab ry | IEEE EPICS-supported STEM project | Sustainable Energy • Electric Mobility • Engineering