Students from the Faculty of Transportation Sciences at the Czech Technical University (CTU) in Prague achieved their highest performance to date at the 2026 Shell Eco-marathon in Poland. The Green Gliders team recorded a efficiency rating of 537.5 kilometers per kilowatt-hour (kWh) with their custom-built electric prototype, a more than threefold improvement over their previous 171.36 km/kWh result.
How Engineering Innovations Drove Efficiency
The Green Gliders team spent the academic year developing a prototype weighing only 25 kilograms. According to the team, this represents a 20-kilogram reduction compared to their previous vehicle. By relocating the wheels beneath the chassis and refining the body shape, the students reduced aerodynamic drag.
Technical updates included a student-developed battery management system, upgraded telemetry, and a new electric motor positioned outside the wheels. This motor configuration allows the vehicle to coast more effectively or shut down entirely when not in use. Illia Melnyk, the team leader, stated that the project prioritized technical details and rigorous testing to achieve these results. The team reached their peak efficiency of 537.5 km/kWh during the final of their six attempts.
While the CTU team achieved 537.5 km per kWh, a Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD covers approximately 7.5 km per kWh under WLTP testing conditions.
Comparing Global Performance in Eco-Marathon Racing
The competition at the Silesia Ring featured 25 successful teams. The CTU students secured 12th place. The event was won by the French team Polyjoule from the polytechnic university in Nantes, whose vehicle achieved 1,094.9 km per kWh.
| Team | Efficiency (km/kWh) |
|---|---|
| Polyjoule (France) | 1,094.9 |
| Green Gliders (Czech Republic) | 537.5 |
Jana Voštinárová, director of corporate communications at Shell Czech Republic, noted that the competition serves as a venue for students to develop technical solutions and gain professional experience. The event, held from June 24 to 28, 2026, focuses on fostering innovation in mobility.
Future Trends in Sustainable Mobility
The Shell Eco-marathon is transitioning toward a more globalized format. The top performers from regional events will qualify for the Shell Eco-marathon Global Championship, scheduled for 2027 in Doha, Qatar. This championship will offer new disciplines focused on real-world mobility, energy, and technology challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the key to the CTU team’s improved range?
The team attributed their performance to a 20-kilogram weight reduction, improved aerodynamics by placing wheels under the body, and a new electric motor configuration that allows for better coasting.
What is the goal of the Shell Eco-marathon?
According to Shell, the competition aims to motivate students to design the most energy-efficient vehicles possible and gain skills for their future engineering careers.
Where will the next major competition take place?
The global championship is set for 2027 in Doha, Qatar, bringing together the best teams from various regional events.
