The Shell Eco-marathon Asia-Pacific and the Middle East 2024 officially kicked off, featuring 78 student teams from 12 countries competing with their energy-efficient vehicles both on and off the track. Among the participants are seven teams representing the Philippines: Cardinal One from Mapua University, Eco Archers from De La Salle University, Hygears from Polytechnic University of the Philippines, XU Mekan-Eco from Xavier University, Team Kasalag from Adamson University, Team Siklab from Jose Rizal University, and UMindanao Wildcats from the University of Mindanao.
Held for the third consecutive year in Indonesia, the regional competition will take place at the Mandalika International Circuit in Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, from July 3 to 6. Students from across Asia and the Middle East will showcase their innovative solutions by designing and building ultra-energy efficient vehicles in two categories: Prototype and Urban Concept.
The Prototype category emphasizes ultra-efficient, lightweight designs, typically with three wheels, aiming to minimize resistance and maximize efficiency. The Urban Concept category focuses on energy-efficient conventional four-wheeled vehicle designs, closely resembling passenger cars and built to road-worthy specifications. Participants can opt for one of three energy sources: battery-electric, hydrogen fuel cell, or internal combustion engine (gasoline, ethanol, and/or diesel).
To qualify for the competition, teams must adhere to a set of technical and safety rules. Qualifying teams then compete in their respective categories to determine which vehicle can cover the longest distance using the least amount of fuel. The UMindanao Wildcats, Cardinal One, Eco Archers, Team Kasalag, and Team Siklab have all successfully passed the technical inspection.
This year’s event includes both returning and new teams, all striving to develop vehicles with higher levels of energy efficiency. In addition to the main competition, several side events will take place, including Shell LiveWIRE, an enterprise development program for young energy entrepreneurs; Shell NXplorers, an educational program focused on critical thinking and creative problem-solving for youths; and Shell Indonesia Women’s Network, a discussion and empowerment program for students to explore their future potential.
The Shell Eco-marathon challenges high school and college student teams from around the world to design and build the most energy-efficient vehicles, addressing future energy challenges and promoting smarter, more sustainable mobility. Student teams from Brunei, China, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam are participating in the Shell Eco-marathon Asia-Pacific and the Middle East 2024.
