Shell Eco-marathon brings engi

Shell Eco-marathon brings engineering and energy innovation to the capital

The third Shell Eco-marathon highlights international high school and university talent in the field of design, specifically focusing on energy efficiency… pretty neat.

Shell Eco-marathon brings engi

Tshwane will host this year’s Shell Eco-marathon in collaboration with the University of Johannesburg, creating a space where learners and university students can express themselves in engineering and ‘green’ innovation.

The festival, taking place at the Zwartkops Raceway on October 15 and 16, challenges high school and university students from around the world to design, build, test and drive the most energy-efficient vehicle.

Apart from engineering and building a greener automotive future, the marathon also includes a few other neat opportunities to explore the science world, including:

  • Afrikabot – a robotics Competition that provides young students the opportunity to gain knowledge and skills in the world of robot science
  • CO2 DRAGSTER CHALLENGE – which provides the Learners with a challenge of designing and building a race car from a block of wood and a CO2 canister
  • Lego Challenge – Teams will be required to with the use of a hydrogen fuel cell, power a Lego built car over a distance of 10m.
  • Delta Environmental Centre Innovative Leaner Energy Programmes – showcasing three of the most successful and innovative energy-related programmes that have been implemented by learners

“It is again an honour for Shell in partnership with the University of Johannesburg’s School of Electrical Engineering to host our third Shell Eco-Marathon on the African continent. Shell is committed to inspiring and supporting the next generation engineers as we tackle the world’s energy challenges by collaboratively providing more and cleaner energy solutions,” said Bonang Mohale, Chairman of Shell South Africa.

This year, 15 participating teams from different high schools and Universities in South Africa and the African continent registered for the competition.

The teams are classified under two vehicle categories;, Prototype and Urban Concept and can enter under any of the following propulsion systems:

  • Shell Fuel Save Unleaded 93 Gasoline
  • Shell Fuel Save Diesel
  • Battery electric or
  • Hydrogen

The winning team will have designed a car that drives the equivalent of the longest distance using the least amount of energy in their chosen category. The goal is not to break speed records but to use as little energy as possible over a set distance.

“Initiatives such as these demonstrate commitment to harbouring young and dynamic talent displayed by learners and students who are dedicated to tackling the energy challenge. The event also serves as an ideal ground to attract and capture young people’s interest in the fields of Science, Technology and Engineering,” said Professor Johan Meyer, Head of the School of Electrical Engineering at the University of Johannesburg.

The Shell Eco-marathon aims to stimulate stakeholders and the general public to engage in sustainable energy dialogues.