Posted June 4, 2025 14:10
The student team from the Faculty of Transportation Sciences at CTU in Prague is heading to the fuel-efficiency competition – Shell Eco-marathon.
University students from the Green Gliders team at the Faculty of Transportation Sciences, CTU in Prague, will participate for the first time in the prestigious international competition Shell Eco-marathon. This fuel-efficiency race will take place from June 10 to 15, 2025, at the Silesia Ring circuit in Poland.
The team will compete in the Prototype category, presenting their electric-powered vehicle. The goal of the competition is to cover the longest possible distance on one liter of fuel or one kilowatt-hour of electrical energy. The top teams achieve over 2,500 kilometers on just one liter of fuel.
The Shell Eco-marathon is among the most prestigious and demanding competitions for young engineers and designers. Future scientists and engineers test their skills by developing vehicles that achieve maximum energy efficiency. This year, nearly 120 teams from 25 European and African countries will take part, demonstrating the growing interest in sustainable technology and eco-friendly mobility among young innovators. The Green Gliders team will enter this tough competition for the first time, showcasing their innovative vehicle, which focuses on maximum energy efficiency. Students will not only compete but also gain inspiration from top teams while contributing ideas to the development of sustainable mobility for the future.
The vehicle built by the Green Gliders team features a self-supporting carbon-Kevlar body crafted in-house. The shell consists of layers of carbon fiber, Kevlar, and porous plates, ensuring high strength and low weight. The propulsion is provided by a 500 W PMSM electric motor, mounted in the rear wheel and controlled by a custom-developed control unit specifically designed for this competition. The steering and braking system incorporates bicycle components, including rims, tires, discs, and calipers.
Regarding safety, the vehicle is equipped with both external and internal safety switches. Additional safety features include certified six-point safety harnesses, a certified helmet, racing suit, and gloves, all meeting stringent standards for this type of competition.
"Participating in the Shell Eco-marathon is not just a huge opportunity for our team but also an immense challenge. Less than a year has passed since we decided to form a new student team, yet we are now making every effort to stand on the starting line at Silesia Ring and represent both CTU's Faculty of Transportation Sciences and the Czech Republic. Although this is our first year and we face many challenges, we are gathering valuable experience and are determined to prove that a Czech team can succeed in international competition—and that we have the ability to push the boundaries of sustainable mobility," says Michal Cenkner, lead member of the Green Gliders team.
The competition includes three categories: Prototypes, Urban Concept (vehicles resembling everyday cars), and Autonomous Vehicles. Students can choose between gasoline, diesel, ethanol, hydrogen, or electric propulsion.
