Electric car contest generates excitement amongst students

Engineering students from one of the UAE teams working on their car for the 2014 Taqa GCC Hybrid-Electric Challenge. Courtesy Arman Molki

ABU DHABI // University students from the UAE are gearing up to compete in a GCC-wide contest to build the fastest, most efficient hybrid-electric car.

More than 120 engineering students from universities in Oman, Qatar and Kuwait will take part in the 2014 Taqa GCC Hybrid-Electric Challenge.

“The aim is to get young people interested in engineering and develop their skills so that they can eventually take part in international competitions,” said Dr Nabih Bedewi, the managing director of US-based Global EEE, a not-for-profit organisation that promotes education, energy efficiency and environmental consciousness, and which is organising the event.

“Engineering is something that is being ignored by many young people not just in the Middle East but around the world, and by hosting these kinds of events we hope to encourage students to take it up as a profession.”

It is the region’s first competition of its kind and rivals from the UAE will include teams from Abu Dhabi’s Petroleum Institute, UAE University, Masdar Institute, Abu Dhabi University and Khalifa University. They will take part in a three-day final in Abu Dhabi at the end of the month.

Competitors were given car kits two months ago and have been busy developing their designs since then.

“The barrier for entry is high in these competitions and it requires a lot from faculties and students in terms of resources,” Dr Bedewi said.

“Many of the universities in the GCC aren’t as well resourced compared with those in the US or UK, which is why we provided them with the kits, and they will then have to decide how to use the technology.”

The teams include drivers and technicians, and they will compete in single-person, lightweight hybrid cars that must meet stringent race design and safety regulations. They are in the process of building and fine-tuning the vehicles with the aim of making them as fast and energy-efficient as possible.

Competitors must also decide on their strategy for the petrol generator, which extends the range of the vehicles.

There are three prizes on offer, for the fastest qualifying time, the greatest distance travelled on electric battery alone, and the farthest travelled using the petrol-electric configuration.

The overall winning team will be decided by adding its scores during the two race days.

There will also be other awards for technical innovation, quality of workmanship, sportsmanship and design.

“The key aim we want to get across for the competition is about the educational benefits, along with raising awareness of environmentally friendly forms of energy,” Dr Bedewi said.

“We hope in three to five years to get to the stage where we can expand to include more Middle East and North African countries, as well as other international teams.

“Eventually we would like to get to the stage where the best teams from the GCC can take part in the big international competitions.

“This is a great opportunity for the students and I think they will really enjoy the event.”

Taqa, Abu Dhabi’s national energy company, is supporting the competition, along with the Emirates Foundation.

“The next generation of engineers will play a critical role in developing a sustainable economy for the UAE and the region,” said Dr Saif Al Sayari, Taqa’s executive officer and head of energy solutions.

“This event gives engineering students the opportunity to try out what they have learnt in the classroom in a competitive environment,” he said.

“Taqa is committed to supporting young engineers from the GCC and encouraging the development of alternative energy technologies.”

The challenge will take place at the Al Forsan racetrack in Abu Dhabi from January 29 to 31.