Students gear up for engineering challenge

23 March 2016

UCLan students in the running for the ultimate fuel efficient car at Shell Eco-marathon 2016

The UK is gearing up for Shell Eco-marathon Europe, which is coming to London for the first time in the competition’s 30-year history. The competition challenges students to design and build ultra-energy efficient cars, then drive them on a purpose-built track to see which can travel the furthest on the least amount of energy. With over 229 European teams entered to take part, competition is expected to be fierce.

For the third consecutive year, The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) is stepping up to the challenge. The team is busy designing and building two vehicles that will take to the track; their newly modified gasoline prototype vehicle as well as the debut of their new Urban Concept car.

Tony Broad, Lecturer and Project Leader, UCLan said: “With the event coming home to London, there is a great opportunity to show what our engineering students can really do. We have completely new teams this year and we’re hoping to beat our current prototype record of 1318 mpg, as well as launch our brand new battery electric urban concept car.” 

"We have been working hard over the last few months and it’s a bit daunting to think there will be hundreds of other engineering students competing at Shell Eco-marathon, but we are up for the challenge!"

Chris Lovell Smith, first year Mechanical Engineering student said: “It will be awesome to see both our cars run for the first time in London. We have been working hard over the last few months and it’s a bit daunting to think there will be hundreds of other engineering students competing at Shell Eco-marathon, but we are up for the challenge!” This year, Shell Eco-marathon Europe will be showcased at Make the Future London – a festival of ideas and innovation taking place a Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park from June 30 to July 3. This free of charge, public event will feature bright energy ideas and inventions that address the global energy challenge – how to generate more energy, while producing less CO2. Visitors are invited to experience the ideas, contribute their own and join the journey to a low-carbon future.

For more information on Shell Eco-marathon and Make the Future London please visit www.shell.co.uk/makethefuture and follow us on twitter.com/shell_ecomar and facebook.com/Shell

Eco Marathon 2015
Eco Marathon 2015