In 2021, Shell Eco-marathon is adopting a hybrid model comprising definitively of virtual elements, and where possible, on-track elements. This structure will allow for maximum flexibility to adjust to prevailing safety and travel conditions due to COVID-19, while still ensuring a robust Shell Eco-marathon offering in 2021.

Shell Eco-marathon is an academic educational programme. All Teams wishing to enter must be affiliated with an educational institution. To learn more about what educational institutions are eligible for Shell Eco-marathon participation, please read our Official Rules, Chapter I.

For the Virtual League competitions: individual submission pages will be available for each virtual competition and you can register up to 20 team members.

For potential on-track events, the Mini Shell Eco-marathon competitions: to ensure appropriate social distancing measures are followed, a maximum of 10 people per team, including faculty advisors and chaperones, will be allowed at any physical event we may have. Refer to each competition page and its specific set of rules, Chapter II, for final confirmation of capacity and requirements for each venue.

Yes. To take part in any physical events, student participants must be at least 16 years of age on the first day of competition. In some circumstances, 14- and 15-year-olds may be permitted to take part if relevant safety and supervision plans are agreed with the Organisers.

Unfortunately not. All participants must be enrolled in an academic institution selected to participate at the time of the competition, both virtual and on-track.

Yes. Your team manager and driver(s) must be able to speak English as they will be coordinating with the organisers and receiving instructions during the competition.

The Virtual Programme of the Shell Eco-marathon programme for 2021 consists of five component competitions, which are all part of a global Virtual League. Participating teams will be able to earn points via any of the five component competitions that they choose to take part in and will be globally ranked. The Virtual League consist of the following component competitions as defined in Article 90 and Article 91 in Section 6 of the Shell Eco-marathon 2021 Global Rules, Chapter I:

Pitch the Future
Autonomous Programming Competition
Bonus Challenges
Virtual Off-Track Awards (See Section 6B of the Chapter I Rules)
Virtual Technical Inspection (See Section 6A of the Chapter I Rules)

The specific dates and rules for each component competition yet undefined in Chapter I will be announced in due course.

Participation in each Virtual League component competition is voluntary, but participation in the Virtual Technical Inspection is a necessary pre-requisite for application to any on-track event in 2021, should they take place. 

Find out more information about the Virtual Programme.

Where and when it is safely possible to host physical events, the On-track Programme will include the new Mini Shell Eco-marathon competition. Still based on the traditional mileage challenge format, these will be smaller, more accessible events to take place across the regions, in line with the required global and local health and safety guidelines.

Every team is responsible for all costs and expenses incurred by taking part in the competition, for instance travel from another country, building and freighting costs for your vehicle and hotels or accommodation.

Yes. The Shell Eco-marathon 2021 season competitions, both the Virtual and the On-track Programme, are open to all teams, new and experienced.

We will endeavor to accommodate as many teams as possible at the physical events, however, please note that priority will be given to all teams who were selected for Phase 3 in the 2020 Regional programmes (Americas, Europe and Asia) should applications exceed the number of physical places at the events.

Prize money will be awarded for each of the individual Virtual League components excluding the Bonus Challenges, where you can earn extra points (see Chapter I, Section 7). There will also be prize money awarded for the Mini Shell Eco-marathon competitions. For more information on prizes and awards, refer to the Chapter II rules to be published for each of the competitions in the 2021 season.

General registration is open from September 7 to October 14, 2020 for all regions. You must register for your chance to take part in any of the virtual components, including Virtual Technical Inspection. Please note that the registration for the first of our activities, Pitch the Future, will close on September 30, 2020.

Specific registration for on-track events will open closer to the event dates next year, should they take place. However, you must ensure you are already registered for Virtual Technical Inspection to be considered for on-track events.

Yes, there will be certificates available after each Virtual League and on-track activity for individual team members as well as team certificates.

As the global impacts of COVID-19 continue to evolve, the safety and health of our Shell Eco-marathon participants and organising teams remains our top priority.

In 2021 we will continue to monitor developments closely to determine the safest approach. We will evaluate events on a case-by-case basis and using the best information available and will only proceed with events when we are confident that all reasonable controls can be implemented.