Shell Eco-marathon 2026 - Season Launch and Q&A - Session 1_V3

Summary of "Shell Eco-marathon 2026 - Season Launch and Q&A - Session 1_V3"

Overview

The video is a detailed season launch and Q&A session for the Shell Eco-marathon 2026, focusing on competition updates, registration procedures, technical rules, and participant guidance. The session involves multiple Shell Eco-marathon team members addressing participant questions and clarifying new regulations.

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Key Technological Concepts & Product Features

• Competition Structure & Locations (2026):
  • Events scheduled in Qatar (Jan 21-25), USA (April 8-11, tentative start April 7), Poland (June 24-28), and potentially Brazil (dates TBD).
  • African teams are invited to the Qatar event; Turkey remains in the European competition.
• Vehicle Categories & Rules Changes:
  • Teams can register more than two vehicles per institution, potentially up to six teams combining prototypes and battery electrics.
  • Removal of the regional championship for Urban Concept category and removal of the onboard computer for Urban Concept vehicles (other telemetry components like gas flow meter and joulemeter remain).
  • Introduction of hydrogen internal combustion engine as a showcase element (no prizes, collaboration with technical team encouraged).
  • Autonomous driving competition expanded to include both prototypes and Urban Concepts.
• Telemetry System:
  • Onboard computer removed for Urban Concepts; teams encouraged to develop their own telemetry systems.
  • Telemetry can be powered by the accessory battery but energy usage must be measured via the joulemeter.
  • Teams can design telemetry systems freely but must comply with external appendage rules (e.g., antennas).
  • Data from Shell-provided joulemeter will be available only after runs (no real-time data). Teams may use their own joulemeter for telemetry but official results rely on Shell’s joulemeter.
  • Telemetry is optional; no disqualification if a team does not implement their own system.
• Energy & Fuel Regulations:
  • Hydrogen cylinder limits: no strict limits for Qatar and Europe; specifics for the USA pending. Cylinders same specs as previous year (1-liter B1 cylinder).
  • Solar panels allowed to charge batteries but solar energy is not counted towards energy consumption results (solar input is before joulemeter).
  • Battery safety: lithium-ion batteries must be mounted either on a metal tray or enclosed in a fireproof lithium-ion bag.
• Safety & Equipment:
  • Prototypes must use three-quarter helmets due to driver visibility concerns; full-face helmets are not allowed.
  • Seatbelt attachment to chassis using custom mechanical parts is allowed but requires technical review including schematics and test reports (e.g., FEA).
  • Brake system requirements: Vehicles must hold on a 20% incline with main brake; parking brake only needs to hold vehicle stationary (no 20% incline test for parking brake).
  • Rule bars (roll bars) materials are not prescribed; focus is on meeting strength and structural integrity requirements.
• Custom Components:
  • Custom rims can be validated through computer-aided simulations rather than physical tests, provided they demonstrate sufficient safety and strength.

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Registration & Logistics

• Registration Process:
  • Simplified into two phases:
    1. Technical Phase: Submission of vehicle category, energy type, design schematics, and build progress photos or a build plan. Approval here is required before logistics planning.
    2. Logistics Phase: Submission of team member details and mandatory signed documents.
  • Deadlines:
    • Qatar technical phase: October 29
    • USA technical phase: January 7
    • Poland technical phase: March 18
  • Logistics phase deadlines follow technical approval; early planning for shipping (especially air freight to Qatar) is strongly advised.
• Shipping & Stipends:
  • Teams cover full costs of shipping, accommodation, and airfare.
  • A small travel stipend is provided for Qatar participants but no percentage of shipping fees is covered by Shell.
  • Dedicated shipping Q&A session scheduled (Sept 24) with clearance vendor participation.

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Additional Information & Resources

• Participants are urged to read the updated Chapter One rules carefully due to changes.
• FAQ pages and official webpages are available for common questions.
• Communication channels include shellecomarathon@shell.com and social media (Instagram, TikTok).
• Chapter 2 rules (including stipend details and off-track awards) to be released end of October.
• Chapter 4 (autonomous competition rules) expected by end of October.
• Global STEM Championship launching in 2027, with 2026 season serving as qualification; open to all vehicle categories.

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FAQs Addressed (Selected Highlights)

• Telemetry: Allowed to use accessory battery; must measure power with joulemeter. No real-time joulemeter data available.