PUP, UPHSD Student Teams Compete at Shell Eco-marathon 2023 in Indonesia

PHOTO: UPHSD’s ALTAS Valor with their vehicle, AVALON.

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The Polytechnic University of the Philippines’ PUP Hygears and University of Perpetual Help System DALTA’s ALTAS Valor are this year’s representatives of the Philippines competing at the Shell Eco-marathon in Lombok, Indonesia. The teams are part of a global network of student innovators working to create energy-efficient vehicles that reduce emissions and promote sustainability.

Shell Eco-marathon (SEM) is a global competition that challenges student teams to design, build, and test energy-efficient vehicles. It aims to inspire the Changemakers of Tomorrow to develop innovative solutions for a sustainable future.

Serge Bernal, Vice President for Corporate Relations of Shell Pilipinas Corporation asks for the teams to look at this experience beyond the competition. “Take this opportunity to learn, to meet more people, and to enjoy. Be proud that you are the representatives of the country to progress sustainable mobility,” Bernal said. “We at Shell Pilipinas are proud to support the next generation of innovators through programs like Shell Eco-marathon.”

PUP Hygears’ vehicle Luna IV will be joining the Battery Electric Prototype category. The vehicle aims to reduce the amount of waste produced during the fabrication process by reusing and repurposing the materials used for their vehicle last year. This year, PUP Hygears is determined to bounce back from last year’s competition and to improve their performance.

“We’ve been preparing for this event for months, and we’re confident that our car will perform well this time,” Miguel Licuanan, one of the Mechanical Team members of PUP Hygears said. “It does not only take one person to make a vehicle. It takes a whole team. You don’t just build vehicles, you also connect with the people, and thus creating a more efficient vehicle.”

ALTAS Valor’s vehicle named AVALON is joining the Urban Concept Internal Combustion category. AVALON is an automatic engine powered by Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). It has a carbon fiber body with enhanced stock parts and an aluminum chassis. 

Jacob Moises Torres, the Team Manager of ALTAS Valor, expressed the team’s excitement for the competition, “It’s a mix of being excited and being nervous for the event.” At the same time, they are optimistic about the outcomes of their project, “We are looking forward to winning in the competition. Part of our preparation is getting guidance from SEM alumni who are also from Perpetual DALTA.”

The teams also received mentoring and coaching from Meg Celine Cruz, Joven Talape, Jerome Sta. Cruz, and Tito Eusebio who are SEM alumni and are also Shell employees.  Pepon Marave, the Race Director for Shell Eco-marathon Asia Pacific and Middle East 2023 was also present at the send-off program held on June 29.

“There’s nothing like being prepared. When you’re prepared, you’re not stressed. When you’re not stressed, you enjoy,” Marave, a Filipino multiple Formula 3 Asia champion said.

SEM 2023 will take place at the Pertamina Mandalika International Street Circuit in Lombok, Indonesia from July 04 to 09. To learn more about Shell Eco-marathon, click here: www.shell.com.ph/energy-and-innovation/shell-eco-marathon.html