Khalifa University and the Global Education Energy Environment (Global EEE), in cooperation with Launchpad, launched the Global Hybrid Electric Car Challenge on Thursday.

The challenge is being held at the Al Forsan International Resort in Abu Dhabi, with car inspections and qualifying runs for the seventeen competing teams.

Student teams from universities in the UAE, Egypt, Kuwait and Qatar will race each other in this unique challenge, which is open to both engineering and business students, in two Grand Prix races. The first Grand Prix, scheduled to take place on April 8, will require teams to complete a course entirely powered by electricity. The second Grand Prix, which takes place on April 9, will allow teams to supplement their batteries with some petrol in order to complete the course.

This challenging event will require teams to make tough decisions regarding the design and efficiency of their vehicles. For example, during the second race, teams may opt to carry generators in their vehicles and supplement the battery energy while moving, or retain the generators at their pit stops and only charge when they pull over. Both choices have distinct advantages and disadvantages and each decision will impact performance.

To build their cars, each team was provided with a basic kit, comprising all of the necessary components, including the chassis, outer shell, canopy, motor, controller, and batteries. However, a significant amount of engineering ingenuity is required to determine the best way to integrate these components in order to achieve the highest reliability and efficiency possible. The goal is to encourage these engineering students to innovate and experiment with different technologies.

“On behalf of Global EEE, our officials, technical inspectors, judges, and volunteers, it is my pleasure to join Launchpad and Khalifa University to welcome all the participants and guests to this competition in Abu Dhabi,” commented William Elliott III, the Race Technical Director.  “This event is a clear reflection of the vision and commitment of the government of the UAE to promote education, energy efficiency, and environmental consciousness. Equally, the dedication of the students and faculty members from the participating Mena institutions of higher education provides optimism about the future of the region and the next generation of leaders.”

Following the two Grand Prix races, students will receive awards granted by a panel of distinguished judges and experts, for Fastest Qualifying Time, Technical Innovation, Best Presentation, Sportsmanship, Team Safety, WiSE (Women in Science and Engineering) Female Engineer, Vehicle Graphics Design, Vehicle Workmanship, Best Photo, and Best Video, in addition to prizes for the top three finishing places and the overall challenge winner.

Attendees can expect to see activity all weekend, as students diligently build and improve their cars leading up to the final Grand Prix event. For more information on the teams and agenda, visit http://uae.globalhechallenge.org