Shell Eco-Marathon is a motorsport competition for high school and university students from around the world to design and build energy-efficient vehicles. Teams can choose between two vehicle classes: Urban Concept, i.e., vehicles with road car-like features, and Prototype, i.e., lightweight and ultra-efficient and usually three-wheeled vehicles; there are three energy categories to choose from: internal combustion engine, electric battery and hydrogen fuel cell. The team is rewarded that achieves the lowest energy consumption on the track. The competition aims to stimulate discussion and collaboration between students in the development of ever cleaner energy solutions.
The Polimi Team
The Green Mecc has been taking part in the competition since 2005 and has been competing in the 'Urban Concept' class with a battery-electric vehicle since 2011. Today, the group is organised into six sectors: Management, Chassis & Subsystems, Drivetrain, Strategy & Electronics, Aerodynamics and Communication. The students take to the track with their prototypes bearing names from Greek mythology: after Apollo, Daphne and Leto, it is now time for Asteria.
Recruiting
Each year the team holds two recruiting sessions: the first in September and the second in March. The stages are open to all students at the Politecnico di Milano. For all candidates, the selection process consists of an oral interview designed to test general knowledge and motivation. To apply, please send an email (attaching your CV) to: sem-dmec@polimi.it.
Meet Team Green Mecc!
WHO IS PART OF THE TEAM?
Our team is mainly made up of students enrolled in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering programs at Politecnico di Milano. We currently compete in the Shell Eco-marathon, an international student competition focused on designing and building the most energy-efficient vehicle possible in terms of fuel consumption and environmental impact. We compete in the Urban Concept category and are working towards returning to the Prototype category in the near future.
WHEN WAS THE TEAM FOUNDED, AND HOW HAS IT EVOLVED OVER THE YEARS?
The team was founded in 2008 and initially consisted only of interns and PhD students. Over the years, it has grown significantly and now includes around 100 students from Politecnico di Milano, primarily enrolled in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering programs. We also have members from Electronics Engineering, Automation Engineering, and Design.
The team is organized into several departments, including Chassis, Design, Aerodynamics, Logistics, Electronics, and Strategy. Each department is led by a team leader, and students choose their department based on their interests and academic background.
The biggest turning point in the team's history was when we grew from around ten interns and former interns to nearly fifty members. That expansion marked the beginning of a new phase: departments were created, responsibilities were divided, and each team could focus on developing its own expertise.
Every competition and event has also played an important role in our growth. They are not only valuable learning experiences but also opportunities to build friendships, have fun, and meet students and universities from all over the world.
WHAT IS THE TEAM'S MAIN ACTIVITY, AND HOW DOES THE WORK PROGRESS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR?
In the Design department, a typical day involves designing components for the vehicle, optimizing existing parts, or working in the workshop assembling components that were previously designed and manufactured.
In the Electronics department, our daily activities cover many different aspects of the car, from the steering wheel and telemetry system to the electric motor. Because the department is responsible for several subsystems, we are divided into smaller working groups, each focused on a specific project. Every Friday, when most members are available, we usually meet in the workshop or hold team updates to discuss our progress.
The Strategy department mainly works remotely, either from home or from the office. We often collaborate through video calls. Our primary responsibility is to ensure that the vehicle model is realistic and that we identify the best solutions well in advance of the competition.
In the Aerodynamics department, most of our work is software-based, so we generally work from the office or remotely rather than in the workshop. Our department currently consists of around twenty members, each responsible for different tasks. Since our goal is to build a vehicle that consumes as little energy as possible, we focus on minimizing aerodynamic drag by calculating the lowest possible drag coefficient and developing the most efficient body shape for the vehicle at different speeds.
WHAT IS THE SECRET TO KEEPING THE TEAM UNITED?
Within the Electronics department, we have one of the most diverse groups in terms of academic backgrounds. We also have several international students enrolled at Politecnico di Milano, which adds valuable cultural diversity.
Our main objective has always been to involve everyone. One of the most effective ways to achieve this has been working in small groups, allowing each member to contribute according to their skills, interests, and level of experience. At the same time, we try to avoid creating isolated groups based on degree programs or age, encouraging collaboration between students with different academic backgrounds.
This approach has created close-knit, collaborative teams where knowledge is constantly shared, benefiting everyone involved. Overall, we have built a very positive and constructive working environment.
WHAT IS THE FARTHEST CITY WHERE YOU HAVE COMPETED?
The farthest location where we have competed in the Shell Eco-marathon is the Silesia Ring circuit in Poland, located about two hours from Kraków.
To reach the event, we traveled by car, making the trip a real adventure. It was a true road trip that lasted about a day and a half.
ARE THERE ANY FUNNY STORIES OR UNEXPECTED MOMENTS YOU REMEMBER?
One of the funniest moments happened during the technical inspections at the Shell Eco-marathon, which are always quite stressful.
Before the vehicle is allowed onto the track, it must pass a series of technical inspections in which race officials carefully examine every aspect of the car—including the windshield wiper.
During one of the most recent competitions, our Head of Electronics accidentally set the windshield wiper to its maximum speed. When he switched it on for the inspection, the wiper immediately flew about twenty meters through the air. Everyone burst out laughing. Fortunately, we quickly fixed the problem, passed the technical inspection, and were allowed to race. Looking back, it's a story we can all laugh about.
Our greatest achievement, both personally and as a team, came in 2024, when we finished third overall at the Shell Eco-marathon. It was the first time the team had ever reached the podium in the Urban Concept category. This result also qualified us for the next stage of the competition, an additional event with slightly different rules that brought together the winners of each category. It was an incredibly exciting experience and a milestone we had been working towards for many years.
WHAT ARE YOUR NEXT GOALS?
We currently compete in the Urban Concept category, but one of our main goals is to reintroduce the team to the Prototype category.
The two categories differ significantly. Urban Concept vehicles are designed to resemble cars used in everyday life, with practical features such as luggage space and a driver's seat. Prototype vehicles, on the other hand, are designed with one objective only: achieving the highest possible level of energy efficiency.
THREE REASONS WHY YOU WOULD RECOMMEND JOINING THE TEAM
From the perspective of the Design department, and especially the workshop, one of the greatest opportunities is the chance to get hands-on experience and put into practice everything we learn at Politecnico di Milano. It is possible to spend years studying at a very high academic level while having limited practical experience. Working within the team allows students to bridge that gap.
Another important benefit is developing critical thinking and learning how to make independent engineering and design decisions. Students have the opportunity to follow a project through every stage, from concept to implementation, gaining valuable real-world experience.
Finally, joining the team means meeting many people who share the same passion and interests. Everyone has something to teach and something to learn, making the experience rewarding both professionally and personally for every member of the team.
