Eba Kandovazu
A GROUP of engineering students from the Namibia University of Science and Technology are building an energy-efficient prototype vehicle with the aim to compete in the Shell Eco-Marathon later this year.
According to a statement released by the University, the team consists of students from the mechanical and marine engineering as well as electrical and computer engineering departments. The project is described as landmark feat by the group of young people.
“The overall aim is to inspire research and manufacturing processes in the Namibian automotive industry,” the statement reads.
Depending on funding, NUST engineering students participate in the Shell Eco-Marathon on annual basis. The marathon is a global programme for science, technology, engineering and maths students to design and build ultra energy-efficient cars.
The competition requires the cars compete on a track by completing a fixed number of laps around a circuit, at a set speed.
Organisers then calculate the energy efficiency of the different vehicles and names winners in various classes, in accordance to the source of energy.
The students from NUST will be participating in the electric vehicle category.
“This year, the team is preparing for the event which will take place in Johannesburg, in September,” Evert Strydom an Engineering lecturer said.
Thus far, a total of N$35 000 has been donated although further donations would be welcome.
