This is the second time Sask Polytech has participated in the Shell Eco-marathon World Championship
October 17, 2023 – Saskatchewan Polytechnic has once again proven its mettle at this year’s Shell Eco-marathon World Championship Series. Competing against students from around the world, Sask Polytech tied at eighth place with its urban concept car, which achieved a result of 214 km/l.
This is the second time Sask Polytech has participated in the Shell Eco-marathon World Championship Series. The team’s urban concept car had earlier finished in first place at the Shell Eco-Marathon Americas Challenge at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in April, qualifying them for the final in India.
“We are incredibly proud of our students who qualified for the Shell Eco-marathon international competition,” says Dr. Larry Rosia, Sask Polytech president and CEO. “These students are great innovators, using recycled and eco-friendly materials to build their car. They did a great job showcasing their talents and the benefits of their Sask Polytech education on a world stage. While I know the team is disappointed with the results, our students and faculty put in a valiant effort and have reason to be proud of our finish among such strong international competition.”
Says Tim Muench, Design and Manufacturing Engineering Technology program head: “I am ecstatic our students had the opportunity to compete internationally again. Once again, the team has taken inspiration from Saskatchewan's prairie culture, incorporating recycled carbon fibre hockey sticks into the car frame. The urban concept car also has a 35cc ice auger engine with a custom fuel injection system and a steering wheel made of flax fibre. For the last year students have been making the systems better and building in reliability. I’m so incredible proud of our team and their dedication to innovation.”
Sask Polytech eco car specifics
| Weight: | 107 kg |
| Engine: | 35cc Honda ice auger, 1.25hp |
| Frame: | recycled hockey sticks |
| Body shell: | 3D printed with a low infill so it is hollow |
| Transmission: | 8 speed derailleur |
The world championship brought together 12 student teams from around the world to push the boundaries of energy efficiency and innovation. The competition is an exciting race for speed and energy efficiency.
Sask Polytech students have been working on their urban concept car since September 2022; designing, building, refining and testing it to achieve maximum energy efficiency. The car is designed for city driving and considers comfort and space for luggage, along with fuel economy. It could potentially be used as a future commuter car and must include two doors, four wheels, full lighting, horn, brake functions and a windshield wiper.
Under the direction of Muench and designated faculty advisor Andrew Baerg, Sask Polytech Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET), Design and Manufacturing Engineering Technology (DMET), Machinist, and Automotive Service Technician (AST) students have been working on the energy efficient car since September 2022.
Sask Polytech has been competing in the Shell Eco-Marathon since 2017, and its students have consistently demonstrated their commitment to energy efficiency and innovation. Congratulations to the team qualifying for the Shell Eco-marathon World Championship in India!
Shell Eco-marathon is one of the world’s leading student engineering competitions focused on energy optimisation where teams are asked to design, build and drive some of the world’s most energy-efficient vehicles. Teams drive and compete for the best energy efficiency result in their vehicle class and energy category against teams from other academic institutions.
Saskatchewan Polytechnic is signatory to the SDG Accord. Sustainable Development Goal alignment is one of the ways Sask Polytech is leading the rise of polytechnic education.
