How Students from Brazil Are Using Horizon's H-1000 Fuel Cell Stack to Compete in the Shell Eco-marathon
Pioneering Hydrogen Fuel Education at the Shell Eco-marathon
At the Federal University of Paraná (UFPR) in Curitiba, Brazil, a passionate team of students is pushing the boundaries of sustainable engineering. Known as Eco Octano, this interdisciplinary group of nearly 50 students is not only building ultra-efficient electric cars—they’re now entering the world of hydrogen fuel technology, using Horizon Educational’s H-1000 PEM Fuel Cell Stack to power their hydrogen prototype for the 2025 Shell Eco-marathon.
This marks a major milestone in hydrogen fuel education and the hands-on application of renewable energy solutions in higher education.
Why Horizon? Trust, Simplicity, and Performance
When asked why they chose Horizon Educational’s fuel cell over other brands, Vitor was clear:
"Horizon is a very well-known company in this area of energy efficiency. Other Shell Eco-marathon teams use Horizon’s systems, and we saw how practical and complete they are. The system includes everything—controller, purge valve, and the fuel cell stack—making it easier to use than others." - Vitor Gabriel Fonseca Pereira, Student, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Brazil.
For the students, who are still early in their academic journeys, having a reliable and well-supported system is crucial. The Horizon H-1000 stood out not just for its 40% efficiency, but for the complete, user-friendly ecosystem it provides—something vital when building complex hydrogen systems from the ground up.
Competing in the Shell Eco-marathon: A Tradition of Innovation
The Eco Octano team has a rich history in the Shell Eco-marathon Brazil, held annually in Rio de Janeiro. Since 2018, they’ve competed in the battery-electric prototype category, building their own ultra-efficient vehicles every year.
- 2019: 2nd place – 213.6 km/kWh
- 2024: 5th place – 219 km/kWh (team record)
These results demonstrate not only engineering excellence but also a clear evolution of the team’s capabilities. Now, with the support of their university’s electrical engineering department and a new scientific research initiative, they are boldly moving into the hydrogen vehicle category for the first time.
Designing and Building a Hydrogen-Powered Prototype
For the 2025 Shell Eco-marathon, the team is designing a brand-new prototype specifically for hydrogen fuel. At the heart of this car lies the H-1000 PEM fuel cell stack from Horizon Educational. With 1000W of output power, it’s well-suited to the lightweight, single-occupant prototype vehicle category.
The prototype is still in development, with the team targeting August 2025 for its competitive debut. According to Vitor, one of the biggest engineering hurdles is thermal management:
“The greatest problem is heat. No team has been able to finish all ten laps due to system overheating. So we’re working hard to develop a robust cooling system for the fuel cell.”
To solve this, their scientific team—composed of electrical, mechanical, and chemical engineering students—is researching various thermal regulation methods. This type of hands-on hydrogen car project is exactly the kind of applied learning that builds both technical skills and sustainable innovation mindsets.
Interdisciplinary Learning and Real-World Engineering
Beyond the technical work, Eco Octano is an interdisciplinary collaboration. Their team includes students from:
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Production Engineering
- Marketing and Finance
By organizing into subsystems—mechanical systems, electrical systems, telemetry, instrumentation, and even public relations—the team mirrors a real-world engineering firm, preparing students for professional careers in renewable energy and sustainable mobility.
Expanding Awareness of Hydrogen Fuel Education
The visibility of the project is growing fast. The team is active on social media (Instagram), and they regularly present their work across university departments and external events. Collaborating with Horizon Educational not only provides advanced hardware—they’re also gaining international exposure that helps attract sponsors, supporters, and future members.
“We don’t receive funding from the school, so visibility is very important. The carbon fiber alone for one vehicle costs 15,000 reais. Being featured on platforms like Horizon’s helps us a lot.”
Looking Ahead to August 2025
As the team prepares to test their hydrogen vehicle in June, the excitement is palpable. This is more than just a race—it’s the first step into a new era of hydrogen fuel education in South America.
By combining Horizon’s innovative fuel cell technology with the dedication of student engineers, the Eco Octano team is making sustainable STEM education a reality—and proving that the future of mobility lies in clean hydrogen power.
