With global warming and other environmental issues being brought to our attention in the mainstream media after years of our industrial polluting ways, we’re now called to action to turn off lights and keep the heater on low to do our bit to save the planet.
While these combined efforts will help to make a difference, I really think that it still comes down to big companies to change the way that they do business and reduce their part in causing harmful emissions on a large scale.
It’s therefore inspiring to see a big oil company like Shell taking steps to do their bit for the environment, by investing in research for future technology.
Shell have created the Ecomarathon, which sounds like a 45km run in green lycra, but is a bit more in-depth than that. The Ecomarathon is a challenge for students from around the globe to design and build vehicles that travel further on less energy.
So far the record for a prototype vehicle is 3,300km on the equivalent of just 1 litre of petrol. Talk about getting your MPG down- a chocolate bar would cost you more than your tank of fuel at the petrol station.
These futuristic cars all use a heavily streamlined pattern with the main design consideration focused on reducing drag and maximising fuel efficiency.
You’re not restricted to only using petrol in your new design idea with competitors able to choose from:
* Shell Unleaded 95 (EU) / Shell Plus 89 (US) Petrol/Gasoline
* Shell Diesel
* Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)
* Shell Gas To Liquid (100% GTL)
* Fatty Acid Methyl Ester (100% FAME) * Ethanol E100 (100% Ethanol)
* Hydrogen
* Solar
To take a look at a winning design, and to see just how world-wide the Ecomarathon has become, take a look at the video. For F1 fans, there’s even a bit of Ferrari eye-candy for you! For more information, check out the Shell Ecomarathon site.