Since 2006 Chalmers is a participant in Shell Eco-marathon, a contest which was launched by Shell in the mid-80s to increase interest in science and technology in young people. The contest is to design and build a small vehicle (in the context better than "car") to carry a human being of least 50 kg as far as possible on a liter of gasoline. For more information, see Shell EcoMarathon. Competition rules allow different types of vehicles and powertrains, but the participating vehicles are divided into two classes: “Prototype class” and "Urban-concept class."

Students from several masters programs

Chalmers participates in both classes with a need for a wide knowledge. The students who have been involved in the design and construction of the vehicles come from a number of Master's Programmes, e.g. “Automotive Engineering”, “Systems, Control and Mechatronics”, “Electric Power Engineering”, “Industrial Design Engineering” and “Advanced Engineering Materials”.

From idea to manufacturing

The project Chalmers EcoMarathon fits very well into the ideas behind CDIO (Conceive, Design, Implement, Operate), see www.cdio.org. Some of the important elements of CDIO are that the engineering students are not only trained in design but also in how good their designed parts are for manufacturing, and ultimately how they function in real life tests. These elements are a natural part of Chalmers EcoMarathon since a vehicle is built/rebuilt and tested.

The race - the final test

The participation in Shell Eco-marathon is an important part of the project because then it becomes real (there is no "re-exam"!). Furthermore, the opportunities of comparison that the students get in the competition between their and the other teams designs provide strong “aha” experiences!