Shell’s Eco-marathon Asia returns to Malaysia for 2019, where the Asian edition was first held 10 years ago. Held at the Sepang International Circuit, the event brought together over 100 student teams from 18 countries across Asia Pacific and the Middle East to test which car can go the farthest using the least amount of energy.
Shell’s Eco-marathon is one of the world’s longest-running student competitions that challenges these bright minds to design and build ultra-energy-efficient cars, and then put them to the test in competition.
Student teams competed in either of two categories: Prototype – futuristic and highly aerodynamic vehicles or UrbanConcept – vehicles that resemble today’s cars. This year saw an even participation in the vehicle types with 56 student teams participated in the UrbanConcept category and 53 student teams competing in the Prototype category. This is then put in three categories based on their energy source – Internal Combustion Engine (ICE), Gasoline, diesel or ethanol (biofuel), hydrogen fuel cell and battery electric power.
Before vehicles are allowed to proceed onto the track for their runs on the 10.3 km track, it must pass a detailed technical inspection. At the end of day two, 71 student teams passed the technical inspection, five of which are from Malaysia. The five Malaysian teams consist of representatives from Monash University, University Tunku Abdul Rahman, Multimedia University, University Teknologi MARA and University Malaysia Pahang.
At the close on day three, Rajamangala University of Technology Phra Nakhon took home the best results for the Prototype-ICE category, Temasek Polytechnic for the Prototype-Hydrogen, and Guangzhou College of South China University of Technology in the Prototype-Battery Electric category.
Indonesia in general dominated the UrbanConcept-ICE results, sweeping positions one to 10 except number seven from Tongji University China. Taking first place is Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember. Malaysian teams didn’t go home empty handed as well. Best results came from Team UiTM Eco-Planet from University Teknologi Mara, as they took the third place in the UrbanConcept-Hydrogen category.
This year’s 10th anniversary also makes global Shell Eco-marathon history as it is the first night race. This new experience added extra excitement for both spectators and participants, allowing them to concentrate and not drive in the heat of the day. With better results year-on-year, one can only imagine what’s next as participants race to improve and innovate their vehicles.
Did you know that Shell petrol stations in Malaysia are going green? Click here to find out how they're doing it!
Sell your car through Carsome and you can fetch a higher price through nationwide bidding!
