In a scenario where poor air quality, congested roads and ever-rising population are gradually becoming a pain for leading metropolitan cities of the world, Shell’s ‘Make the Future’ initiative debuted in India with Shell Eco marathon competition, to challenge young engineers to design, build and drive energy-efficient vehicles
The global initiative of Shell Global named 'Make the Future' was organised for the first time in India at the Madras Motor Race Track (MMRT) in Chennai from December 6-9, 2018. The platform encourages conversation, collaboration and affirmative action given the global energy challenges. The event also featured the Shell Eco-marathon, a global programme that encourages bright student minds to design and build ultra energy efficient cars to showcase clean energy innovations and provide a glimpse of the future of energy.
India has been part of the Shell Ecomarathon for eight years now, and this year a total of 247 students participated across 20 teams (19 Indians and one from Oman) at the MMRT. Prize money worth 20 lakh was awarded to the students competing in prototype (three wheel vehicle) and urban concept (four wheel vehicle) categories.
The competition saw student teams striving to prove energy efficiency of their cars with speed and skill sets of their driver on a shortened MMRT track. Student cars were required to complete four laps clocking a total distance of eight km using least amount of fuel. Participating teams had a choice to run their vehicles under two possible engine types – one, an internal combustion (IC) with petrol, diesel & biofuel, or two, a battery electric type powered by hydrogen fuel cells or lithium-based batteries.
In the prototype category, contestants showcased futuristic vehicles with highly efficient aerodynamics. However, in the urban concept category, students were asked to design more conventional, roadworthy, energy-efficient vehicles that could meet the needs of drivers in real conditions.
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