More than 120 engineering students from universities in Oman, Qatar and Kuwait will take part in the 2014 Taqa GCC Hybrid-Electric Challenge.

 

It is the region’s first competition of its kind and rivals from the UAE will include teams from Abu Dhabi’s Petroleum Institute, UAE University, Masdar Institute, Abu Dhabi University and Khalifa University. They will take part in a three-day final in Abu Dhabi at the end of the month.

 

Competitors were given car kits two months ago and have been busy developing their designs since then.

 

The teams include drivers and technicians, and they will compete in single-person, lightweight hybrid cars that must meet stringent race design and safety regulations. They are in the process of building and fine-tuning the vehicles with the aim of making them as fast and energy-efficient as possible.

 

Competitors must also decide on their strategy for the petrol generator, which extends the range of the vehicles.

 

There are three prizes on offer, for the fastest qualifying time, the greatest distance travelled on electric battery alone, and the farthest travelled using the petrol-electric configuration.

 

The overall winning team will be decided by adding its scores during the two race days.

 

There will also be other awards for technical innovation, quality of workmanship, sportsmanship and design.

 

Taqa, Abu Dhabi’s national energy company, is supporting the competition, along with the Emirates Foundation.

 

The challenge will take place at the Al Forsan racetrack in Abu Dhabi from January 29 to 31.