The UK is gearing up for Shell Eco-marathon Europe, which is coming to London for the first time in the competition’s 30 year history.
The competition challenges students to design and build ultra-energy efficient cars, then drive them on a purpose-built track to see which can travel the furthest on the least amount of energy. With 230 European teams entered to take part, competition is expected to be fierce.
The University of Manchester is entering Shell Eco-marathon for the first time ever, and engineering students are creating a brand new vehicle completely from scratch. The team’s Prototype Petrol car is made from a carbon fibre body, and they hope its light-weight structure will give them the competitive edge in fuel efficiency.
Bob Wroe, Project Supervisor at the University of Manchester, commented, “Shell Eco-marathon is a very beneficial project for our students to be involved with. Fuel efficiency and the use of alternative fuels affects us all, and I expect it will be a factor in many of their careers. Additionally, the practical aspect of designing and building a vehicle, working to deadlines and within a budget provides valuable experience for when they leave us to work in the industry.”
Joshua Burton-Brown, Team Captain, added “Shell Eco Marathon is an amazing opportunity for us to apply the skills we’re learning in class and see some real-world engineering. We’re all very excited to see what we can do and to be a part of such a fantastic event. We have a great team of ambitious and hardworking students, and we can’t wait to compete in London!”
This year, Shell Eco-marathon Europe will be showcased at Make the Future London – a festival of ideas and innovation taking place a Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park from June 30 to July 3.
This free of charge, public event will feature bright energy ideas that address the global energy challenge – how to generate more energy, while producing less CO2. Visitors are invited to experience the ideas, contribute their own and join the journey to a low-carbon future.
