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.

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.

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.

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.