Hydrogen Urban Concept Prototype
Shell Eco Marathon Albi Club (SEMAC)
01
Design, development, and competition experience around a hydrogen-powered single-seater for energy-efficiency challenges.
Overview
Developed within the Shell Eco Marathon framework, this project combined vehicle design, manufacturing, cockpit ergonomics, and real-world validation in competition.
The prototype was designed as an efficient hydrogen-powered urban concept, with bio-based bodywork and a strong focus on lightweight, functional integration.
Contribution
I contributed to the design, development, and manufacturing of the vehicle, with a particular focus on technical integration and cockpit usability.
I also led the redesign of the steering wheel and competed as one of the drivers during the 2024 Albi Eco Race.
Steering Wheel Redesign
A key part of the project was the development of a butterfly steering wheel with integrated controls.
The redesign improved hand positioning, simplified driver interaction, and created a more efficient cockpit interface for race conditions.
The new steering wheel combined a machined aluminium plate with a 3D-printed shell
Before
After
The car competed at the 2024 Albi Eco Race, an event featuring three disciplines for Urban Concept vehicles: the Short-Run, a 5-lap regularity race; the Long-Run, a two-hour endurance event; and the Slalom, which evaluates manoeuvrability.
The project achieved 1st place in the Short-Run, 2nd in the Long-Run, 2nd in the Slalom, and 2nd place overall in the Urban Concept category.
Competition
Aerodynamic Development
As a continuation of this work, I later carried out an aerodynamic design and optimisation project for a Shell Eco Marathon body concept.
Using CAD and CFD simulations, I analysed airflow, reduced drag, and iteratively refined the geometry to achieve a drag coefficient of 0.16.
