Perkasa Darussalam made it in the top 20 of the Shell Eco-marathon (Asia-Pacific and the Middle East 2023) Prototype Competition last Saturday in Lombok, Indonesia.
Students were tasked to design ultra-efficient, lightweight designs, typically with three wheels, with the goal of optimising the efficiency of innovative energy sources.
The team from Universiti Brunei Darussalam competed against 41 teams in the battery-electric concept, achieving an efficiency record of 103 kilometres per kilowatt-hour.
Team supervisor Pengiran Aderus bin Pengiran Haji Tengah said, “The project has been a learning platform for the students. Boundaries were pushed and they stepped out of their comfort zone to learn the importance of teamwork, dedication, and commitment.”
Team leader Muhamad Ahmad Hasyer bin Sulong said, “We acquired and sharpened skills and knowledge that we could not gain in everyday lectures.
“We are able to share and pass our knowledge and experience to others in hopes that it would inspire everyone to step up and take a stance in conserving the environment for themselves as well as the future generations.”
First driver Amal Bazilah binti Karim said, “Before going on track, my sister and I experienced a mix of excitement and nervousness as it was the first time testing our own built car.
“There was also nervousness due to the anticipation of the race and the pressure to perform well.
“But surprisingly, when on the track, we weren’t as nervous as before. It felt more like just driving on a normal track but with additional mixture of adrenaline and focus.”
Second driver Amal Basirah binti Karim said, “Making a valid run in on track showed that the team’s efforts have paid off.
“We demonstrated the efficiency and performance of our team’s vehicle. It is incredibly rewarding and fulfilling. Being in the top 20 motivates us to continue pushing the boundaries in future competitions or whatever our future pursuits.”
The team marked another achievement as the first team from the Sultanate to pass the technical inspection at the first attempt.
The technical inspection is a crucial phase of the competition, where each vehicle undergoes rigorous scrutiny to ensure compliance with safety regulations and technical standards.
Muhamad Ahmad Hasyer said, “We are incredibly proud to have passed the technical inspection on our first attempt.
“It is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and collective expertise of our team.”
Perkasa Darussalam’s Mantuka Aswad is the eighth prototype vehicle the UBD team has built since joining the competition in 2012.
Shell Eco-marathon Global General Manager Norman Koch said, “It is impressive to see the high standard of performance and the innovative ideas that these young minds come up with.
“Despite encountering numerous challenges, they persevered and achieved exceptional results in designing energy efficient vehicles.”
The Shell Eco-marathon Asia-Pacific and the Middle East 2023, held at the Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit, brought together students in 75 teams from 13 countries across Asia-Pacific and the Middle East.
