Shell Lubricants announced the Shell Truck Design Challenge, a contest that challenges students to design the interior of a prototype Class 8 truck.
Shell Eco-Marathon participants, as well as high school and college students in Michigan, can register for the chance to win $1,000 for their school.
The contest is inspired by the Shell Eco-marathon Americas, which challenges student teams to design, build and drive the most energy-efficient vehicle, as well as the AirFlow StarShip Initiative. A joint project between Shell Lubricants and AirFlow Truck Company, the AirFlow StarShip will feature a completely new design with the aim of breaking current fuel efficiency records for Class 8 trucks after its debut in 2017.
“This contest is a great opportunity for next generation technology leaders to leave a lasting effect on the betterment of the trucking industry and to push technology, comfort and safety to the next level for the foreseeable future,” said Kate Faucher, global marketing projects lead for Shell Lubricants. “Working in tandem with the AirFlow project will allow students to gain a working knowledge of industry development and hopefully spark a passion that will inspire generations to come.”
While much attention is given to the exterior design of a vehicle, the interior design and function are equally important with the rapidly increasing integration of technology into current and future mobility. Entries are evaluated on relevance to the design element, design value and quality, concept originality and developmental potential, as well as the following criteria:
• Connectedness: The design must provide a connected environment that offers a technological platform that can provide consistent, interoperable and safe operations for all users. Elements to consider for integration include telematics, music, media, entertainment, GPS and more.
• Safety: The design must demonstrate that proper safety has been integrated so that it meets current safety requirements. This includes seat belts, mirrors, airbags, etc. The use of connected devices and technology must include safety as a consideration to ensure that they do not distract the drier while operating the vehicle on the road.
• Fuel Economy: Develop ways to monitor and increase fuel economy. This can include autonomous driving systems, ways to help the driver alter their driving style to achieve maximum fuel mileage, monitoring of engine and transmission functions, tire pressure and more.
• Ergonomics: Design a truck interior that is suitable for driving on highways for long distances. Considerations should include comfort so as to minimize fatigue over a long drive. This includes seating, layout of the interior for easy intuitive use by the operator, integration/use of devices such as smart phones and more. The design can also include an optional living area for the driver.
Student entries will have to connect to at least one and up to all four of the design criteria. To enter, students must submit renderings, drawings or sketches showing interior design from several perspectives, with one illustrating a person and their expected driving environment. Additional deliverables include a brief essay about how the design element provides the operator of a Class 8 truck with simple, functional and safe mobility. Entries will be evaluated on the following criteria: relevance to the design element, design value and quality, concept originality and developmental potential.
The Shell Truck Design Challenge runs through April 18, 2016. Winning design creators or teams in each of the four categories will be announced at the Shell Eco-Marathon in Detroit in April. For official rules and additional information about the contest, please visit the Shell Truck Design Challenge page.
