The Green Gliders student team from the Czech Technical University of Transport can withstand strong international competition,” says Illia Melnyk, head of the Green Gliders team.
The new prototype has undergone extensive design changes. The students abandoned the self-supporting structure and switched to a frame solution, which, according to the team, allowed the weight of the car to be reduced by approximately half and at the same time improved aerodynamics.
The car also received a new battery, its own battery management system and an electric motor with an output of 2 kW. Compared to the previous drive, it is significantly lighter, weighing approximately 400 grams instead of the original six kilograms.
Thanks to the modernized telemetry, it will also be easier to collect and share data with the driver during the race. The team can thus adjust the driving strategy in real time. Carbon parts of the steering and chassis or components manufactured using 3D printing also contribute to weight reduction.
In the Shell Eco-marathon student competition, the task is to cover the longest distance possible with minimal energy consumption. In the Prototype category, in which the Czech team is also competing, extremely lightweight vehicles designed exclusively with an emphasis on maximum economy.
This year's European final will be attended by almost 120 teams from 25 countries in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. The competing cars use electric, hydrogen and combustion engines. The competition is traditionally very strong. The winner of last year's battery prototype category from France achieved a performance of 1221 kilometers per kilowatt-hour of electricity.
This year's edition is also new in that it is possible to qualify for the upcoming Shell Eco-marathon Global Championship and compete for participation in the global final planned for next year in Doha, Qatar.