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Marmara University's faculty of technology has drawn attention in sustainable technology, with its Mechatronics Engineering Club showcasing its cutting-edge hydrogen-powered prototype vehicle on both international and national fronts. The vehicle, designed for the Shell Eco-Marathon, has proudly represented Türkiye in Poland and is now a highlight at Teknofest Istanbul.
The team's success story began with their entry into the Shell Eco-Marathon 2025–26, a global competition challenging young engineers to build ultra-energy-efficient vehicles. Their prototype, a testament to months of meticulous design and engineering, focuses on maximizing energy efficiency, safety, and reliability.
At its core, the vehicle uses a Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell system that converts hydrogen into electricity with zero harmful emissions. This clean energy source powers a Tongsheng 130RX Brushless DC hub motor, providing efficient propulsion while minimizing energy losses.
What sets the Marmara University vehicle apart is its sophisticated integration of advanced systems. The team prioritized safety at every design stage, incorporating a multi-layered safety topology to ensure operational reliability. A key innovation is the use of a double-stage pressure regulator for the hydrogen supply, along with an emergency shutdown valve, a pressure relief valve, and a continuous hydrogen sensor that triggers a complete shutdown if hydrogen levels exceed a safe threshold.
Furthermore, the electrical system is ingeniously divided into two domains: a 48V high-voltage line for propulsion and a 12V low-voltage line for control and auxiliary systems. This layered design not only enhances safety but also allows for precise management of power.
The vehicle also features supercapacitors, which work in harmony with the fuel cell to provide bursts of energy for sudden power demands, ensuring smooth performance and protecting the fuel cell from voltage drops. This hybridization is a critical innovation that makes the vehicle's energy delivery more stable and efficient.
Following their successful representation of Marmara University and Türkiye at the Shell Eco-Marathon in Poland, the team brought their groundbreaking project home to share with the public.
The hydrogen vehicle is currently on display at the Marmara University stand at TeknofestIstanbul, where it has been drawing significant attention from visitors, engineers, and technology enthusiasts. The exhibition offers a unique opportunity for the public to witness firsthand the innovative work being done by Turkish university students in the field of sustainable transportation.
The project is more than just a competition entry; it serves as a powerful proof-of-concept for hydrogen-powered mobility. By combining a PEM fuel cell with advanced energy management and a robust safety architecture, the students of Marmara University are demonstrating how hydrogen can be a viable and sustainable fuel for the future. Their success at an international level, coupled with their presence at Türkiye's largest aerospace and technology festival, underscores the growing potential and talent within the country's engineering community.
"This project is a culmination of our team's dedication to sustainable technology," said a team representative. "We are incredibly proud to have represented our university and our country on a global stage, and we're excited to showcase our work to the thousands of visitors at Teknofest. We believe hydrogen has a huge role to play in the future of transportation, and we hope our vehicle inspires others to explore this field."
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