Are you ready for the Shell Eco-marathon?

Who said that being ecological can’t be fun? That must have thought some of Shell’s employees, whilst organizing the first Shell Eco-marathon in 1985. In this contest, student teams from all over the world are challenged to design the most energy-efficient car. With three annual editions spread over three different continents (the Americas, Europe and Asia), the current record stands at 3,836 kilometers with one single liter of fuel.

About the contest

Based on the features of their vehicles, the teams are divided into two classes. On the one hand, there is the Prototype class, in which efficiency is the sole criterion. On the other hand, the Urban Concept class focuses on the more practical features such as having four wheels, stop lights etc. In each of these classes, the cars are given a number from one to seven, indicating their energy category: petrol, diesel, biofuels, GTL, hydrogen, solar or electricity. The winner of the contest is the team that is able to travel the furthest with the equivalent of one liter of fuel. Next to the race itself, some off-track prizes are also awarded for other achievements like safety or teamwork.

From 1939 to 2014

The original idea for this contest dates back to 1939, when a group of Shell employees challenged each other to develop the most fuel-efficient car. Eventually, this friendly wager has led to the organization of the first official Shell Eco-marathon in France in 1985. This year, three editions of the marathon will take place: one in Manilla (Philippines), one in Houston (USA) and one in Rotterdam (Netherlands). 

Considering the Shell Eco-marathon is organized so close to Belgium for the first time, would you be eager to visit this event or even participate in it?

Iwein, Jacinta and Dennis.