Abstract:

This study explores the benefits and obstacles facing the electric karting industry in China, focusing on the under-researched context of Shanghai. While electric karting offers clear environmental advantages and aligns with global trends in sustainable motorsport, its adoption in China is hindered by technological uncertainty, high financial barriers, and deep-rooted cultural preferences for traditional petrol karts. Through coded interviews with karting facility managers, the research identifies a complex interplay of factors shaping the industry, including concerns about battery safety, maintenance costs, and a lack of supportive government policy. Although the environmental benefits of electric karts are widely recognised, they are not yet strong enough motivators to drive large-scale adoption. The study concludes that successful electrification of karting in China will require coordinated efforts from policymakers and industry leaders to address technological, economic, and cultural challenges, while also fostering greater public enthusiasm for electric motorsport.