Breaking Records and Pushing Limits: Inside UBC’s Shell Eco-Marathon Team
Every year, the Shell Eco-Marathon gathers the world’s brightest minds to push the boundaries of energy efficiency in transportation. Among these innovators is the UBC Supermileage Team, a group of 56 multidisciplinary students from the University of British Columbia. Recently, Horizon Educational had the chance to sit down with a team member to learn more about their mission, groundbreaking achievements, and how they’re preparing for future competitions.
Who Is the UBC Supermileage Team?
The UBC Supermileage Team is made up of students from a variety of fields, including engineering, computer science, and marketing, working together in harmony. Split into three technical divisions and an administrative team, their goal is simple yet ambitious: “to achieve the highest possible efficiency and use the least amount of fuel to travel the most distance.”
But their mission extends far beyond building efficient vehicles. They are dedicated to raising awareness about sustainable transportation while fostering a collaborative and educational environment for team members.
Pioneering Achievements
The UBC Supermileage Team has a proven track record of innovation and success. Here are some of their most notable milestones:
- World Record Attempt: In 2021, they attempted a world record for the most fuel-efficient vehicle using their custom-built hydrogen fuel cell prototype.
- Top Performance in Competitions: At the 2022 SAE Supermileage competition, the team secured second place with an impressive 1,038 miles per gallon. Their personal best, however, is an astounding 3,145 miles per gallon!
- Technical Leadership at Shell Eco-Marathon: In recent years, they’ve stood out as one of the only teams able to pass technical inspections, ensuring their vehicles not only perform well but meet rigorous competition standards.
Three Vehicles, One Mission
The UBC Supermileage Team doesn’t rely on just one car—they’ve designed three distinct vehicles, each tailored to specific competition categories:
1. Prototype Class
- Designed to push efficiency to its absolute limits, the prototype vehicle is ultra-light and aerodynamic. Shaped like a bee, it’s driven in a lying-down position to reduce drag.
- This category features few design restrictions, allowing the team to unleash their creativity and engineering expertise.
2. Urban Concept Class
- Unlike the prototype, this vehicle includes features found in road cars, such as windshield wipers, four wheels, and even a small trunk. It balances efficiency with practicality, mimicking real-world design challenges.
3. Fuel Cell, Gasoline, and Battery-Electric Vehicles
- The team is exploring multiple power sources, including internal combustion engines, hydrogen fuel cells, and battery-electric drivetrains, demonstrating a holistic approach to sustainable transportation.
The Hydrogen Fuel Cell Prototype: A Technical Marvel
One of the team’s most innovative projects is their hydrogen fuel cell prototype. Built entirely from scratch, the fuel cell stack features 17 graphene plates for enhanced efficiency and a 500-watt supercapacitor bank to store and regulate energy.
However, building such a system hasn’t been without challenges. In past competitions, the team faced issues such as:
- Power Limitations: Their previous custom fuel cell struggled to provide adequate power for track runs.
- Component Degradation: Graphene plates, while efficient, proved fragile and prone to cracking under uneven pressure distribution.
- Operating Conditions: Low humidity levels led to dehydration issues within the fuel cell, further impacting performance.
To overcome these hurdles, the team is now integrating an off-the-shelf Horizon fuel cell into their vehicle. This reliable solution will allow them to focus on optimizing the car’s other components while gaining a deeper understanding of fuel cell technology.
Learning Through Challenges
Through their trials and triumphs, the UBC Supermileage Team has gained invaluable technical and personal skills. Team members learn everything from CAD modeling and mechanical design to leadership and communication.
The importance of collaboration in such a large group—56 students, after all—cannot be overstated. As one team member shared:
“Not only have I learned technical skills, but I’ve also learned the importance of team communication and organizing design reviews. It’s an experience I’ll carry with me into the industry.”
This focus on holistic growth has led many former team members to successful careers at companies like Tesla, Rivian, Lucid Motors, Apple, and Cadence, showcasing the program’s impact on its members’ futures.
Looking Ahead: The Road to 2025
The team’s immediate goal is to refine their hydrogen fuel cell prototype and compete at the Shell Eco-Marathon Americas in 2025. They’re excited to test their upgraded vehicle, which integrates Horizon’s fuel cell technology with a redesigned drivetrain and ultracapacitors.
Looking even further ahead, they plan to bring a new car to competition in 2026 and return with a fully optimized vehicle in 2027. Their ultimate dream? To claim victory in the fuel cell class—a goal that feels within reach given their proven ability to innovate and overcome challenges.
What’s Next for UBC Supermileage?
As the team gears up for the Shell Eco-Marathon Americas, they’re continuing to raise awareness about sustainable transportation and the importance of energy efficiency. Beyond competitions, they’re inspiring the next generation of engineers, scientists, and innovators through their work.
If you’re as inspired as we are by UBC Supermileage’s journey, consider supporting their efforts through sponsorship or simply sharing their story. Together, we can help drive the future of sustainable transportation.