Team Astra from Indian Institute of Technology, Raipur qualifies for the final phases of Shell Eco-Marathon 2018

The selected teams will travel to Singapore to be part of the final phase of SEM where they will compete with similar teams from other parts of the world to design, build, test and drive the world’s most energy efficient vehicle.

Team Astra is designing a prototype under the electric vehicle category and expects to provide a mileage of around 100km per kWh. The prototype focuses on maximizing utilization of the energy which is stored in the battery for propulsion of the vehicle. The main objective of the team is to reduce the losses faced by the vehicle, which include aerodynamic, rolling resistance, chassis and the drivetrain losses. The student team believes that through SEM they have an opportunity to contribute in making mobility more sustainable and environment-friendly. A common notion that prevails among people are that Indian teams do not perform well in SEM. Through hard work, dedication and perseverance, the team is focused in breaking this stereotype and reaching the SEM 2018 final phase to be held in Singapore.

Speaking on the competition, Satvik Sabarad, Team Manager of Team Astra said, “The increasing CO2 emissions, deteriorating air quality and pollution is a big concern toady for the world. We think that change is only possible if each and everyone of us work towards creating cleaner energy solutions. This very thought motivated us to participate in Shell Eco-marathon Asia 2018. We are working on an e-vehicle prototype considering it is one of the big development in the smart mobility space and will help in addressing the energy challenges. The competition encourages innovation among students and provides an ideal platform for infusion of concepts, creativity and groupwork that is essential for the development of that one big idea that can break barriers in our efforts to create a sustainable solution in the areas of clean energy and future mobility.”

Commenting on the entries received this year, Mr. Nitin Prasad, Chairman at Shell Companies in India said, “Make the Future is Shell’s endeavour to find truly sustainable solutions that can resolve the industrial world’s dilemma of decarbonization. It is a humungous task, and at Shell, we believe it is the members of the young world who have an immense capability to usher in the change and chart the way towards a responsible and bright future. India’s participation in Shell Eco-marathon Asia in the last few years has been commendable, and we are delighted to see an overwhelming response from students this year as well. I wish them all the very best for the next phase of the competition. Shell India will extend its support to the teams in the best possible manner.”

In the final of the competition which is running its eighth edition in Singapore between 8 -11 March 2018, universities which have been selected to represent India are K.J. Somaiya College Of Engineering; SRM University, Chennai; RV College of Engineering; VIT University; Delhi Technological University; Sir M Visvesvaraya Institute of Technology; Lovely Professional University; Indian Institute of Technology - Banaras Hindu University; Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS); National Institute of Technology Raipur; SRM University Delhi – NCR; Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University.