The Philippine teams competing at the Shell Eco-marathon (SEM) Asia-Pacific and the Middle East 2023 continue to push for a chance to succeed in the regional leg. The two teams from Polytechnic University of the Philippines Manila (PUP) and University of Perpetual Help System Dalta (UPHSD) are part of 76 teams from 13 countries who are taking part in SEM Asia-Pacific and the Middle East 2023 that is currently ongoing at the Pertamina Mandalika International Street Circuit, in Lombok, Indonesia.
“We believe that with determination and hard work, the students can accomplish incredible things for their countries. The competition allows them to focus their efforts and creativity in advancing technology in the field of energy-efficient vehicles which is essential for a cleaner energy future,” said Sean Winnet, vice president of Shell Asia-Pacific Corporate Relations.
Shell Eco-marathon aims to inspire the Changemakers of Tomorrow to develop innovative solutions for a sustainable future by challenging them to design, build, and test energy-efficient vehicles.
Since the start of the event last July 4, the teams have been working on their vehicles in time for the technical inspection and actual competition.
Despite the challenges, both teams are optimistic that they can finish this season successfully. “We feel so excited. It seems like this will be another chance for us to bounce back from what happened last year. Although we won an off-track award last year, this time we want to make sure that our best will turn into something more rewarding,” said Edward Brian Custodio, team driver of PUP Hygears.
“We want to achieve the expectations of the people who supported us from the very beginning. First, we want to pass the technical inspection, have a valid run, and get good results from that valid run,” said Emelito Jr. Montano, team reserve driver for UPHSD’s ALTAS Valor.
PUP Hygears’ vehicle Luna IV is competing under the Urban Concept Battery Electric category, while the UPHSD ALTAS Valor’s vehicle Avalon is running in the Prototype Internal Combustion Engine category. As of writing, the Avalon has already passed the inspection and is waiting for its turn on the track.
The Philippine teams are still in high spirits and are maximizing all the help and support they can get from their mentors, SEM alumni, and fellow competitors.
The awarding ceremony for the Asia-Pacific and Middle East leg will be on July 9. Winners from the region will move on to compete in the World Championship of Shell Eco-marathon in Bangalore, India in October.
To learn more about Shell Eco-marathon, visit www.shell.com.ph/energy-and-innovation/shell-eco-marathon.html.