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Frequently Asked Questions - Technical
You have questions about the Shell Eco-marathon Americas? We have answers!
- What types of fuels are used?
- How can we purchase the required fuel tanks and how much do they cost?
- How do we prevent fuel tank seal leaks?
- Can we purchase a hydrogen tank (like the ones that will be provided during the competition)?
- What type of fuel line do we need to purchase?
- Where can we purchase E100 gas?
- What is the rolling resistance for each of the Micheline tires?
- Are we required to use the Michelin tires that Shell is providing?
- What tires does Michelin offer and how can we purchase them?
- What if we have changes to our technical schematics since we last uploaded them?
- What technical schematics do we need to provide for Phase II registration?
- Will the flowmeter and joulemeter be provided at track?
- What are the specifications and dimensions of the flowmeters and joulemeters?
- Can we purchase our own flow meter?
- Do we need to purchase our horn through Shell?
- How can I test the effectiveness of my vehicle’s horn?
- Will there be welding facilities at track?
- Can we compete in two categories with one vehicle?
- What are the fuel tank dimensions?
- What kind of helmet does our driver need to wear?
- What kind of racing suit does our driver need to wear?
What types of fuels are used?
There are two energy source categories: Internal Combustion and Electric Mobility for all vehicles participating in Shell Eco-marathon. Internal combustion powered vehicles may use: Gasoline, Diesel, Fatty Acid Methyl Esther (Biodiesel) or Ethanol E100 (95-99% Ethanol). Electric mobility powered vehicles may use: Hydrogen or Battery Electric.
For 2013, please note that the official rules merge the PV (photovoltaic) elements and Battery Electric into one category called Battery Electric, therefore there will be no solar category. Please note that PV panels are optional, therefore, if utilized, the panels must be an integral part of the vehicle body. Details are outlined in the rules.
How can we purchase the required fuel tanks and how much do they cost?
Teams are required to purchase and use the Shell Eco-marathon fuel tanks for all events. Prior years’ fuel tanks are perfectly acceptable. Additional fuel tank caps are also available for $10.
Prototype
Urban Concept
- 350ml = $175 USD
To order, please contact your Relationship Manager or contact us here. VISA, MasterCard and Discover Card are accepted. You will need to provide the following information:
- Desired quantity
- Credit card number
- Expiration date
- Security Code
- Shipping address
- Billing Address
How do we prevent fuel tank seal leaks?
Can we purchase a hydrogen tank (like the ones that will be provided during the competition)?
We do not have hydrogen tanks available for purchase, but provide them to the teams at the event. You may contact AirGas if you’re interested in purchasing one.
What type of fuel line do we need to purchase?
Competitors must equip their vehicle with clear fuel lines which are not prone to expansion when pressurized (max. internal diameter 8 mm). Please reference article 61 in the Chapter 1 rules for details.
Where can we purchase E100 gas?
Teams can purchase E100 from high performance race shops located throughout the U.S. A “GOOGLE” search should assist. Some caution though, most shops sell in 5 gals. or more, and the Ethanol is not pure (E100).
Pure Ethanol is controlled by the state since it is considered drinkable. What they will be selling is denatured ethanol which is about 95-99% ethanol and the balance in gasoline makes the fuel non-drinkable; more commonly referred to as E95.
What is the rolling resistance for each of the Micheline tires?
Rolling resistance:
- Prototypes - 44-406: 2 kg/t (Kilogramme/tonne)
- UrbanConcept - 95/80 R 16: 1.5 kg/t
Are we required to use the Michelin tires that Shell is providing?
Teams are not required to use Michelin tires and are free to use tires of their choosing. Please ensure that the tires properly fit the wheel.
What tires does Michelin offer and how can we purchase them?
Shell has Michelin conventional tires view photo available for purchase for Prototype cars ($79 each). The specs for these tires are 44-406 (20" x 1.75"); inflate up to 50PSI.
We have Michelin UrbanConcept tires in stock available for purchase ($235 each.) View a photo.
Due to limited supply, we are only able to provide a reasonable number of tires to registered Shell Eco-marathon Americas participants.
To order tires, please contact your Relationship Manager or contact us here. VISA, MasterCard and Discover Card are accepted. You will need to provide the following information:
- Desired quantity
- Credit card number
- Expiration date
- Security code
- Shipping address
- Billing address
What if we have changes to our technical schematics since we last uploaded them?
If you have changes, or haven't submitted schematics, please do so as part of Phase II registration. This will help ensure your design is in accordance with the rules and expedite inspection process at track. If changes are made after your submittal, bring the final version to the competition to be reviewed during the inspections.
What technical schematics do we need to provide for Phase II registration?
You should upload technical drawings of your engine, fuel supply and electrical circuitry designs as soon as possible via the Phase II registration system.
Please reference the sample diagrams and Phase II How-To document on the Registration page of the Americas website.
Additional details are also found in article 58 of the Chapter I Rules.
Will the flowmeter and joulemeter be provided at track?
Yes
What are the specifications and dimensions of the flowmeters and joulemeters?
What are the specifications and dimensions of the flowmeters and joulemeters?
View or download the dimensions and specifications for the flowmeter and joulemeter.
Can we purchase our own flow meter?
Please contact us directly if you are interested in purchasing a flowmeter.
Do we need to purchase our horn through Shell?
No. Shell does not offer any horns for purchase. Please refer to Article 31 in the Chapter I rules for details regarding the horns.
How can I test the effectiveness of my vehicle’s horn?
Please ensure that the horn selected meets the criteria in Article 31 from the 2012 rules. During vehicle inspections at the event, the effectiveness of your horn will be verified by the Organizers using the following method:
- Make sure your Sound Pressure Meter frequency weighting is switched to “A”, and the time weighting is switched to “Fast”.
- On the Prototype vehicles, make sure all covers or main canopy are attached.
- Place the sound pressure meter on a stand, 0.5 meters above the ground from a concrete or asphalt surface; average parking lot should suffice.
- The stand should be positioned 4.0 meters from the front of the vehicle.
- Engage the horn button for 2.0 seconds; observe the meter to ensure the sound pressure level (SPL) is equal to or greater than 85 decibels dB(A).
Will there be welding facilities at track?
Yes. There will be a professional welder available onsite during specified hours.
Can we compete in two categories with one vehicle?
No. Each vehicle must compete in one energy category only.
What are the fuel tank dimensions?
Detailed fuel tank dimensions are outlined in this document.
What kind of helmet does our driver need to wear?
Helmets must be a motorcycle style, full-face or three-quarter design. The helmets must meet and be labeled with some Safety Certification, and be in acceptable physical condition to be worn. The helmets can be with or without face-shield, if without face shield the driver must wear goggles. (see Article 21 in the R&R’s).
What kind of racing suit does our driver need to wear?
Here is an example for your reference. The suit does not have to be one piece; can be jacket and pants (2 piece).
