Summary of "Shell Eco-marathon 2026 - Season Launch and Q&A - Session 2_V2"

Summary of Shell Eco-marathon 2026 - Season Launch and Q&A - Session 2

Overview of 2026 Season and Competitions

Competitions confirmed for 2026:
- Shell Eco-marathon Qatar: Jan 21-25 at Lusail International Circuit
- Shell Eco-marathon United States: Apr 7-11 (dates tentative) at Indianapolis Motor Speedway
- Shell Eco-marathon Poland: Jun 24-28 at Silesia Ring
- Shell Eco-marathon Brazil: Usual August event, yet to be confirmed
Country distribution changes: African teams now compete in Qatar instead of Europe; Morocco and Tunisia teams moved to Qatar.
Removal of regional championships and introduction of a Global Championship in 2027, with 2026 events serving as qualifiers.

Key Updates and New Features for 2026

Teams can now register more than two teams per institution, up to six vehicles across categories and energy classes.
Onboard computer removed due to elimination of regional championships; telemetry data now limited to joule meters, gas flow meters, and liquid flow meters.
Continued exploration and invitation for teams to develop vehicles with hydrogen internal combustion engines as a showcase class open at all events.
The autonomous driving competition in Poland is open to both Urban Concept and Prototype vehicles.
Introduction of a Global Championship in 2027 with qualification criteria to be announced by late October 2025.

Registration Process and Deadlines

Registration divided into two phases:
- Technical Phase: Submission of team info, vehicle category, energy class, schematics, and photos of build progress or project timeline.
- Logistics Phase: Submission of team member info, mandatory documents, shipping details, and payment.
Deadlines vary by competition, e.g.:
- Qatar Technical deadline: Oct 29, 2025
- US Technical deadline: Jan 7, 2026
- Poland Technical deadline: Mar 18, 2026 (corrected from website)
Dedicated shipping Q&A session for Qatar scheduled for Sept 24, 2025.

Technical and Rule Clarifications (Q&A Highlights)

Vehicle Categories & Registration:
- Multiple vehicles allowed per team if in different categories or energy classes (e.g., ICE prototype + hydrogen prototype).
- Teams can register up to six vehicles overall.
- Teams switching energy classes (e.g., battery electric to hydrogen) should register once and notify organizers.
Telemetry & Data Acquisition:
- Onboard computer no longer provided; energy consumption measured via joule meters and flow meters.
- Teams encouraged (but not required) to develop their own telemetry systems for data-driven racing.
Vehicle Design & Materials:
- No strict restrictions on body panel materials; focus on safety and hazard prevention.
- Aerodynamic appendages that change shape with wind are prohibited to prevent unfair advantages.
- Solar panels allowed if integrated following vehicle contour; must be included in vehicle dimensions.
- Ventilation cutouts permitted if they do not compromise structural integrity or safety.
- Use of toggle latches or slotted brackets for body panel attachment allowed if secure and safe.
Safety & Compliance:
- Seat belts must be mounted on structural parts; adapters allowed if safe.
- Dead man switches permitted if they disable propulsion when driver incapacitated.
- Physical tests for self-fabricated wheels replaced by acceptance of validated FEA simulations focusing on dynamic loads.
Hydrogen Vehicle Specifics:
- Hydrogen tank size updates depend on competition; no changes expected for Qatar and Europe, under review for US and Brazil.
- Accessory battery must power fuel cell start; use of supercapacitors allowed if energy measured.
Autonomous Competition:
- No announcements yet for 2026 autonomous programming competition; updates expected by end of October 2025.
- Autonomous competition in Poland open to Urban Concept and Prototype.
- Possible changes to autonomous racecourse format to be detailed in Chapter 4 rules.
Rules & Documentation:
- Chapter 1 rules cover technical requirements; Chapter 2 (to be released Oct 22, 2025 for Qatar) covers safety, logistics, behavior, and disqualification criteria.
- Off-track awards and Global Championship qualification details included in Chapter 2.
- Teams advised to read rules carefully and submit questions via official email.

Product Features and Technological Concepts

Emphasis on energy efficiency measurement via joule meters and flow meters.
Encouragement of innovative propulsion technologies such as hydrogen internal combustion engines and autonomous driving.
Telemetry systems: shift from organizer-provided onboard computers to team-developed telemetry for performance optimization.
Flexible vehicle design rules promoting innovation while maintaining safety (materials, bodywork, aerodynamic features).
Integration