Hydrive car ready to compete in Shell Eco-marathon

Shell Eco-marathon is one of the most innovative competitions for young constructors from all over the world. The task of the student teams is to design and build a vehicle that will cover the longest distance with minimal energy consumption. The winning team is the one whose design achieves the highest energy efficiency, i.e. covers the most kilometres using the equivalent of just one litre of fuel or one kilowatt hour.

The competition is divided into two main categories: Prototype (light vehicles with aerodynamic shapes and maximum efficiency) and Urban Concept (designs more similar to city cars). Furthermore, each category has a separate classification depending on the engine of the car.

Hydrive, entering the Prototype category, is an ultralight car powered by a hydrogen fuel cell, designed for maximum energy efficiency and the ability to cover long distances with minimal fuel consumption. Its biggest advantages are:

• rear module designed using generative design methods, resulting in a lightweight yet highly durable structure resistant to dynamic loads;
• low-temperature hydrogen fuel cell as a zero-emission energy source for the drive system;
• aerodynamic shape and lightweight composite construction, which minimise air resistance and allow maximum use of stored energy.

The MechaniCAD team has already participated in a Shell Eco-marathon event in 2023 in France, where it passed a rigorous technical inspection, which was a huge success for a team making its international debut. For another year in a row, the team reaps the fruits of years of work, and the sixth place in the classification is only a proof of the consistent development and growing competence of the team. Held for the first time in Poland, the present edition offers a perfect opportunity for the team to improve their result and gain more valuable experience.

The club’s supervisor is Professor Wojciech Horak from the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Robotics.

Shell Eco-marathon Europe & Africa 2025 will take place from 10 to 15 June at the Silesia Ring in Kamień Śląski – a modern, certified facility with full technical support. A total of 130 teams from 25 countries will take part in the competition. In addition to our team and Hydrive, Poland will be represented by the Lublin University of Technology and Hydrogreen Pollub, the Lodz University of Technology and Iron Warriors, and the State Academy of Applied Sciences in Krosno and Rotor.

Like most engineering competitions, Shell Eco-marathon not only challenges the student teams technically, but also teaches them entrepreneurship and teamwork. Young engineers not only design vehicles, but also learn how to attract sponsors, manage complex projects, and present the results of their work to industry experts.