Shell Eco-marathon is a unique competition that challenges students around the world to design, build and drive the most energy-efficient car. It’s not about speed; it’s about energy efficiency. And the winners are the teams who go further on the least amount of energy.
The inspiration to the competition dates back to 1939, when two Shell scientists in Illinois, US, placed a wager to see who could further on one gallon of fuel.
In 1985, the first edition of Shell Eco-marathon took place in Europe, laying the foundation for what went on to become the world’s leading energy-efficiency competition. Today the event has evolved into a global competition that takes place in different parts of the world including Asia, Americas and Europe. Shell Eco-marathon is about energy efficiency, but also about passion for technique, perseverance, team work, creativity and determination.
Shell Eco-marathon also serves as an educational platform that encourages innovation, reinforces conservation and development of leading technology for greater energy efficiency.
This year’s event will also showcase a host of engineering and energy initiatives ranging from:
- 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
- Saltwater Car -Young Energetic and innovative minded kids will have an opportunity to build a model car, powered by a magnesium strip and saltwater. The cars will be raced around an Oval track at the event.
- Soccket ball experience -Learners will be educated about the ‘soccket ball”, which is the energy-harnessing soccer ball-image, weighing about 30 grams heavier than a standard soccer ball. A pendulum-like mechanism inside captures the kinetic momentum generated during play, and stores this energy inside the ‘soccket’ for later use as an off-grid power source.
- BMW South Africa will also showcase a BMW Electrical vehicle modelled with a Schneider Electric charging station for public viewing
This year, 15 participating teams from different high schools and Universities in South Africa and the African continent have registered for the competition.
Each winning team will have designed a car that drives the longest distance using the least amount of energy in their chosen category.
Visit us to see the futuristic cars in action!
SHELL ECO-MARATHON SOUTH AFRICA
OCTOBER 21-22 October
ZWARTKOPS RACEWAY. FREE ENTRY
The venue:
Zwartkops Raceway zwartkops.co.za
