The Shell Eco-marathon Asia-Pacific and Middle East regional competition for 2024 recently concluded on the picturesque island of Lombok in Indonesia. Four university teams from Qatar showcased their commitment to energy efficiency at the prestigious event, held at the Mandalika International Circuit. The competition challenges student teams to design, build, and drive the most energy-efficient vehicles, with a focus on inspiring young people to become future leaders in energy solutions.
Participants at the event competed in two main categories: Prototype and Urban Concept. The Prototype class emphasizes ultra-efficient, lightweight designs with three wheels aimed at maximizing efficiency, while the Urban Concept class focuses on energy efficiency in four-wheeled vehicles designed to road-worthy specifications. Teams can choose from three energy categories: battery-electric, hydrogen fuel cell, and internal combustion engine.
The event in Indonesia welcomed 78 student teams from countries across the Asia-Pacific and Middle East region, including Qatar. The teams from Qatar made a strong showing, with four universities representing the country and showcasing their innovative designs and solutions. Each team brought unique ideas and skills to the competition, highlighting the hard work and dedication of the students who prepared for months leading up to the event.
One of the standout teams from Qatar was Gernas EV from Qatar University, competing in the Prototype category with an electric vehicle. The team has a history of participating in Shell Eco-marathon and continues to showcase their innovative skills. Another team, Gernas ICE from Qatar University, competed with a gasoline-powered vehicle in the Urban Concept class. Wolves Racing from the University of Doha for Science and Technology also made their debut with a battery electric car, while Desert Aggies from Texas A&M University at Qatar competed with a gasoline-powered vehicle.
Shell Eco-marathon focuses on energy efficiency rather than speed, with teams aiming to travel the furthest distance using the least amount of energy. At the regional competition, Bengawan Team UNS from Indonesia achieved an impressive result, covering 983.3 kilometers on one liter of fuel. The event also recognizes winners in each category and energy class, as well as various Off-track Awards such as Technical Innovation and Carbon Footprint Reduction.
Participating in Shell Eco-marathon is a challenging process that tests students’ technical and soft skills. Teams spend months designing, building, and testing their vehicles before being selected to compete. They must also organize logistics, travel, and accommodation to ensure they make it to the competition. As Shell Eco-marathon comes to Qatar for the first time in February 2025, under the patronage of Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa, the event will provide a unique opportunity for students in the Middle East region to participate in this global competition.
Bringing Shell Eco-marathon to Qatar reflects the country’s commitment to sustainable development, innovation, and education. The competition serves as a platform for students to gain valuable skills and insights that will benefit their future careers, while also fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing among teams. The experience gained from participating in Shell Eco-marathon will have a lasting impact on the students, inspiring future generations of engineers and innovators in Qatar. Visit the official website for more information about Shell Eco-marathon and stay tuned for updates on the upcoming event in Qatar.
