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