
Hungary Breaks World Record Again at Europe’s Largest Energy Efficiency Competition

SZEnergy Team from Széchenyi István University Wins Europe’s Largest Energy Efficiency Competition
The SZEnergy Team, a group of students from Széchenyi István University, has once again proved their excellence by claiming first place in Europe’s largest energy efficiency competition. This competition, known as the Shell Eco-marathon, saw the team breaking their own world record for the second time in the category of self-driving and electrically powered city cars.
In the previous year, the team from Győr set a high standard by achieving a world record of 291 kilometers per kilowatt-hour in the city car category. This year, they surpassed their own record with an outstanding result and also secured a first-place victory in the autonomous category.
The competition took place in Nogaro, France, where the SZEnergy Team outperformed renowned universities from various countries to claim top honors in both categories. Their vehicle, named “SZEmission,” achieved a new world record of 309 kilometers per kilowatt-hour in the electric city car category, showcasing remarkable fuel efficiency.
The autonomous category posed challenges that required vehicles to navigate obstacles and park in designated spaces without human intervention. The team from SZE excelled in this aspect as well, proving their skills in self-driving technology.
Team leader Balázs Für highlighted the team’s dedication and hard work throughout the year, emphasizing the importance of testing and simulations to achieve optimal race performance. Despite facing adverse weather conditions, the team managed to improve on their previous records and secure a third consecutive victory in the competition.
The success of the SZEnergy Team would not have been possible without the support of Széchenyi István University, the Institute’s Automotive Research Centre, the HUMDA Hungarian Mobility Development Agency, and other sponsors. Their collaborative efforts and commitment to continuous improvement have set them apart as leaders in energy efficiency innovation.
Dr. Ferenc Szauter, Head of Vehicle Industry Research Centre at Széchenyi University, commended the team’s achievements and emphasized the institution’s commitment to talent development and research excellence. The consistent success of the SZEnergy Team reflects the university’s dedication to fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration.
Overall, the SZEnergy Team’s remarkable performance at Europe’s largest energy efficiency competition showcases Hungary’s prowess in sustainable technology and reinforces the country’s position as a frontrunner in the field of electric vehicle development. Congratulations to the team on their well-deserved victory and continued success in pushing the boundaries of energy efficiency.





