McMaster Chem-E-Car Team Wins Big with Horizon H-30 Fuel Cell at Michigan State Competition
The McMaster University Chem-E-Car Team clinched first place at a prestigious Chem-E-Car competition hosted by Michigan State University in East Lansing — and at the heart of their winning design? The H-30 fuel cell stack from Horizon Educational.
This achievement not only highlights the team's engineering talent but also showcases how hands-on hydrogen car projects and educational hydrogen fuel cell kits can lead to real-world success in competitive STEM events.
From Last-Minute Lab Tests to First-Place Finish
The student-led team shared that preparation leading up to the event was intense. They worked right up to the wire, testing their fuel cell system, fine-tuning the car’s mechanical steering, and running batch tests on their chemical braking system. Despite a tight schedule and unexpected technical hurdles — including discovering a chemical incompatibility with one of their reaction vessels just days before the event — the team managed to pull everything together.
“Everyone was just scrambling in the lab trying to test everything all at once,” said one team member. “But we ended up being able to test everything at least once before we left, which was good.”
After a four- to five-hour journey from Ontario to East Lansing, the team navigated multiple competition rounds, including a rigorous safety check, poster presentations, and finally, the hydrogen-powered car performance challenge. Unlike traditional races, the Chem-E-Car competition challenges teams to stop their vehicle as close as possible to a surprise distance announced on race day — requiring a precise balance of power and chemistry.
The Power Behind the Win: Horizon’s H-30 Fuel Cell
In the follow-up interview, the team credited part of their success to the Horizon H-30 hydrogen fuel cell stack — a compact, reliable, and high-performance energy source ideal for academic and competition settings.
When asked why they chose Horizon Educational’s stack, their answer was clear:
“We went with the H-30 because it met our power requirements. But what really set Horizon apart was how fast and reliable the delivery was. Most manufacturers told us we’d have to wait a month, but with Horizon, we just sent an email and it arrived within a week — and it’s coming from Europe!” - Somia Rehman, Team President, McMaster University
Their comments reflect a growing appreciation among educators and students for accessible, ready-to-use hydrogen fuel cell technology that removes logistical barriers and allows teams to focus on innovation and learning.
A Team Built on Communication and Cross-Disciplinary Skills
While the technical achievements were impressive, what really stood out in this interview was the emphasis on soft skills. The team is structured into four subgroups — two focused on chemical reactions (power and braking), one on mechanical design, and another on circuitry.
Strong collaboration between these sub-teams was key to their success:
“We were really good at working together on all aspects. For example, the mechanical team would design the vessels used by the chemical team. That kind of communication and teamwork is what pushed us over the edge.” – Somia Rehman, Team President, McMaster University
This echoes the core values of sustainable STEM education — blending theoretical knowledge with practical experience in a real-world team setting.
Preparing the Next Generation of Engineers
Beyond the trophy, the Chem-E-Car experience left a lasting impact on the students’ professional development. From managing real deadlines to collaborating across disciplines and solving problems under pressure, the project gave them a preview of working in the energy and manufacturing sectors.
“You never get that kind of experience just going to class,” one student noted. “This competition has been incredibly beneficial for developing the skills we’ll need in industry.”
Why Hydrogen Fuel Cell Education Matters
The McMaster team’s journey is a shining example of how hydrogen fuel education can empower the next generation of engineers and innovators. Tools like the Horizon H-30 fuel cell are not only helping students compete — they're helping them grow into professionals who are ready to tackle global energy challenges.
As the demand for clean energy solutions grows, competitions like Chem-E-Car — and technologies like Horizon’s hydrogen fuel cells — play a critical role in fostering interest, innovation, and skills in STEM for renewable energy.
Interested in bringing hydrogen power into your classroom or competition team?
Explore our educational hydrogen fuel cell kits and discover how hands-on learning can lead to real-world achievements — just like the McMaster Chem-E-Car Team.
From Last-Minute Lab Tests to First-Place Finish
The student-led team shared that preparation leading up to the event was intense. They worked right up to the wire, testing their fuel cell system, fine-tuning the car’s mechanical steering, and running batch tests on their chemical braking system. Despite a tight schedule and unexpected technical hurdles — including discovering a chemical incompatibility with one of their reaction vessels just days before the event — the team managed to pull everything together.
“Everyone was just scrambling in the lab trying to test everything all at once,” said one team member. “But we ended up being able to test everything at least once before we left, which was good.”
After a four- to five-hour journey from Ontario to East Lansing, the team navigated multiple competition rounds, including a rigorous safety check, poster presentations, and finally, the hydrogen-powered car performance challenge. Unlike traditional races, the Chem-E-Car competition challenges teams to stop their vehicle as close as possible to a surprise distance announced on race day — requiring a precise balance of power and chemistry.
The Power Behind the Win: Horizon’s H-30 Fuel Cell
In the follow-up interview, the team credited part of their success to the Horizon H-30 hydrogen fuel cell stack — a compact, reliable, and high-performance energy source ideal for academic and competition settings.
When asked why they chose Horizon Educational’s stack, their answer was clear:
“We went with the H-30 because it met our power requirements. But what really set Horizon apart was how fast and reliable the delivery was. Most manufacturers told us we’d have to wait a month, but with Horizon, we just sent an email and it arrived within a week — and it’s coming from Europe!” - Somia Rehman, Team President, McMaster University
Their comments reflect a growing appreciation among educators and students for accessible, ready-to-use hydrogen fuel cell technology that removes logistical barriers and allows teams to focus on innovation and learning.
A Team Built on Communication and Cross-Disciplinary Skills
While the technical achievements were impressive, what really stood out in this interview was the emphasis on soft skills. The team is structured into four subgroups — two focused on chemical reactions (power and braking), one on mechanical design, and another on circuitry.
Strong collaboration between these sub-teams was key to their success:
“We were really good at working together on all aspects. For example, the mechanical team would design the vessels used by the chemical team. That kind of communication and teamwork is what pushed us over the edge.” – Somia Rehman, Team President, McMaster University
This echoes the core values of sustainable STEM education — blending theoretical knowledge with practical experience in a real-world team setting.
Preparing the Next Generation of Engineers
Beyond the trophy, the Chem-E-Car experience left a lasting impact on the students’ professional development. From managing real deadlines to collaborating across disciplines and solving problems under pressure, the project gave them a preview of working in the energy and manufacturing sectors.
“You never get that kind of experience just going to class,” one student noted. “This competition has been incredibly beneficial for developing the skills we’ll need in industry.”
Why Hydrogen Fuel Cell Education Matters
The McMaster team’s journey is a shining example of how hydrogen fuel education can empower the next generation of engineers and innovators. Tools like the Horizon H-30 fuel cell are not only helping students compete — they're helping them grow into professionals who are ready to tackle global energy challenges.
As the demand for clean energy solutions grows, competitions like Chem-E-Car — and technologies like Horizon’s hydrogen fuel cells — play a critical role in fostering interest, innovation, and skills in STEM for renewable energy.
Interested in bringing hydrogen power into your classroom or competition team?
Explore our educational hydrogen fuel cell kits and discover how hands-on learning can lead to real-world achievements — just like the McMaster Chem-E-Car Team.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the Chem-E-Car competition?
A: The Chem-E-Car competition is a university-level engineering challenge where student teams design and build small vehicles powered by chemical energy sources. The cars must travel a set distance (announced only on the day of the competition) and stop using a controlled chemical reaction. It's a hands-on way to apply chemical engineering and promote sustainable innovation.
Q: Why did the McMaster University team use a Horizon H-30 fuel cell?
A: The McMaster Chem-E-Car Team chose the Horizon H-30 hydrogen fuel cell stack because it met their power requirements and was easily accessible. According to the team, Horizon Educational’s fast delivery and reliability were critical for meeting tight deadlines during competition season.
“With Horizon, we just sent an email and it arrived within a week — and it’s coming all the way from Europe!”
Q: What are the benefits of using Horizon Educational hydrogen fuel cells in STEM projects?
A: Horizon Educational’s hydrogen fuel cells, such as the H-30 stack, are designed specifically for educational hydrogen fuel cell kits and hands-on hydrogen car projects.
They offer:
- Fast and global shipping
- Reliable performance
- Easy integration into classroom and competition settings
- Support for hydrogen fuel education and sustainability learning
Q: How do Chem-E-Car teams prepare for competitions?
A: Teams often prepare for months, dividing responsibilities into sub-teams for mechanical design, circuitry, power generation, and chemical braking. Testing, troubleshooting, and refining the fuel cell system are crucial, especially when using advanced technologies like the H-30 hydrogen fuel cell.
Q: How can hydrogen education help students in their careers?
A: Participating in hydrogen car competitions and using real-world tools like fuel cells gives students practical skills in renewable energy systems, project management, and teamwork. These experiences help students stand out in careers related to chemical engineering, clean energy, and STEM for renewable energy.