The second annual Shell Eco-marathon Qatar concluded at the Lusail International Circuit, showcasing innovative, energy-efficient vehicles designed and built by student teams. The event, held in Doha, Qatar, drew participants competing in Prototype and Urban Concept categories, utilizing diverse energy sources like battery-electric, hydrogen fuel cell, and internal combustion engines. Indonesian teams achieved significant success, dominating several categories and securing spots in the global championship.
The competition, which ran from [Insert Start Date] to [Insert End Date – estimate if not provided], saw teams from across the region and beyond present their engineering prowess. Four winning teams from the Qatar event will advance to the 2027 Shell Eco-marathon Global Championship, which will also be held in Qatar, marking the first time the global event will be hosted in the country and establishing a truly international competition format.
Shell Eco-marathon Qatar 2026: A Showcase of Sustainable Mobility
The Shell Eco-marathon is a global program that challenges students to design, build, and drive vehicles that can travel the farthest on the least amount of energy. It’s a long-running initiative, first established in 1980, aimed at fostering innovation in sustainable transportation and encouraging the development of future energy solutions. The Qatar edition, now in its second year, is quickly becoming a key regional hub for the competition.
Indonesian Teams Lead the Way
Teams from Indonesia demonstrated exceptional performance throughout the event, consistently ranking high in both the Prototype and Urban Concept categories. While specific team names and vehicle details were not immediately available, organizers highlighted their success as a testament to the country’s growing focus on engineering education and energy efficiency. This strong showing builds on previous successes of Indonesian universities in international engineering competitions.
The Prototype category focuses on futuristic vehicle designs optimized for maximum efficiency, while the Urban Concept category challenges teams to create vehicles suitable for real-world city driving. Teams explored a range of technologies, including lightweight materials, aerodynamic designs, and advanced powertrain systems to achieve their goals. The diversity of approaches underscored the breadth of innovation within the student community.
Global Championship Bound
The selection of four teams to compete in the 2027 Global Championship represents a significant opportunity for these students to showcase their work on an international stage. The event will bring together top teams from Europe, the Americas, and Asia, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing. According to Rob Maxwell, Managing Director of Shell Companies Qatar, the event highlights the “bright future of sustainable mobility.”
Dr. Alkindi Aljawabra, Director of Qatar Auto Museum, emphasized the importance of design thinking in addressing global challenges. He noted that the competition demonstrates how vehicles can be viewed not just as transportation tools, but as “a canvas for sustainable innovation.” The Qatar Auto Museum’s partnership with Shell Eco-marathon underscores the nation’s commitment to fostering a new generation of automotive engineers and designers focused on future fuels.
However, logistical details regarding the 2027 Global Championship, such as the exact dates and venue within Qatar, are still being finalized. Additionally, the specific criteria for judging the global competition remain consistent with previous years, focusing on fuel efficiency, design innovation, and safety.
Looking ahead, the success of Shell Eco-marathon Qatar 2026 suggests continued growth for the event in the coming years. Organizers are expected to announce details regarding registration for the 2027 Qatar competition in the coming months. The ongoing development of the Qatar Auto Museum and its increasing focus on sustainable automotive technologies will likely play a key role in shaping the future of the event and its impact on the region’s engineering landscape.
Learn more about the Shell Eco-marathon.
Visit the Qatar Auto Museum website.
Shell Companies in Qatar.
