Your Questions Answered: Shell Eco-marathon FAQs

• Hydrogen takes another step forward, joining the Internal Combustion Engine energy class and creating a new opportunity for teams to explore this technology.
• Driver safety remains a key priority, with a renewed focus on rollover protection and driver visibility requirements, reinforcing the standards we expect teams to meet on track.
• Student ownership will play a stronger role throughout the event, with self-inspection placing greater responsibility on teams to prepare their vehicles and maintain compliance throughout the competition.

Mileage Challenges are the core on-track Shell Eco-marathon competitions where teams aim to achieve the highest energy efficiency over a set number of laps. Mileage Challenges also include Off-Track Awards for innovation, design, safety, perseverance and more.

Your crate is an important item for your team to consider. It should be sturdy enough to withstand shipping and multiple movements. Please read through specific guidelines here.

• Ongoing regional uncertainty means we cannot secure the safety, travel, operational and freight assurance needed within the planning and delivery timeline. We understand the disappointment and impact this decision will have on teams across Asia Pacific and the Middle East. However, the safety of participants, volunteers, partners and staff remains our priority.

• Given the ongoing uncertainty across the Middle East and surrounding region, and the resulting implications for international travel, operational delivery and freight assurance, we are unable to secure an alternative host location within the planning timeline required to deliver a safe and successful Shell Eco-marathon APME event in 2027. The safety and security of participants, volunteers, partners and staff remain our highest priority.

• Shell remains committed to Shell Eco-marathon and to student teams. We are reviewing how best to support impacted teams through learning and engagement opportunities. We will share more information through the Shell Eco-marathon website and official programme channels.

• In line with Article 2n of the Official Rules, Chapter I,
  teams may request to participate in an alternative location, subject to approval by the Organisers. We will consider these requests carefully, within the capacity available at each location. Teams should not make travel or freight commitments until they receive written approval of their registration.

• Shell remains committed to the Shell Eco-marathon APME event, and we will remain in close contact and continue our valued relationship with our partners and sponsors. We are developing plans for the 2028 season and will share more information in due course.

• Delivering the Shell Eco-marathon Global Championship would require international travel for qualified teams across the region. Ongoing regional uncertainty means we cannot secure the level of assurance needed within the planning timeline. We understand the disappointment and impact this decision will have on global qualified teams. However, the safety of participants, volunteers, partners and staff remains our priority.

• Postponing the event would not give teams, universities, suppliers and partners the certainty they need now. Furthermore, it would place the event into a different academic year and competition cycle for many, while still leaving the key travel, freight and delivery risks unresolved. We therefore concluded that postponement was not a practical option.

The Autonomous Driving Competition is open to both Prototype and Urban Concept teams.

Shell Eco-marathon is one of the world’s leading student engineering competitions focused on energy optimisation. At its very base iteration, conceived 40 years ago, teams are asked to design, build and drive some of the world’s most energy-efficient vehicles. Over the decades, the programme has helped bring to life Shell’s mission of powering progress by providing more and cleaner energy solutions

The academic programme currently challenges STEM students across the globe to tackle the energy challenges of today – in areas as diverse as mobility, artificial intelligence, and the urban environment. The programme seeks to spark conversation, stimulate collaboration and drive innovation from some of the world’s most brilliant young minds, inspiring bright ideas that can help shape a lower carbon future for all.

Teams can choose from two vehicle categories:

• Urban Concept: vehicles that have familiar road car features (always 4 wheels)
• Prototype: ultra-efficient, lightweight vehicles (generally 3 wheels)

Teams must then choose between three energy classes:

• Internal Combustion Engine (gasoline, diesel or ethanol)
• Battery Electric
• Hydrogen Fuel Cell

A maximum of two vehicles per institution may be considered for any given Shell Eco-marathon event, granted they are of (i) different vehicle classes or (ii) different energy categories.

Teams can also showcase Hydrogen ICE vehicles at any event this season—an exciting opportunity to be one of the first teams building with this engine technology and gain expert insights. Participation is subject to technical feasibility and will not yet form part of the official competition.

Registration is simplified into two phases: a technical phase and a logistics phase:

• Technical Phase: Teams must register their interest in joining the competition, specifying the vehicle category, energy class, and providing a high-level description/design of the vehicle. Teams must then demonstrate progress on the design and build of their vehicle, submitting documentation and photos. Approval in this phase confirms official selection to join the competition.
• Logistics Phase: Teams complete logistics and final preparations for the event.

^*_{Please note that the above does not apply to the Autonomous Programming Competition}

_{To know which events you can compete in, visit this page.}

No, each team is responsible for funding their own project, as well as any costs associated with their participation in Shell Eco-marathon, such as travel, accommodations, food etc.

For a detailed list of acceptable driver clothing, please refer to Appendix 2 in the Chapter I Rules.