Behind the roar of energy-efficient engines, the spirit of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) students from the Semar Team continued to burn brightly, leading them to remarkable success at the 2025 Energy-Efficient Car Contest (KMHE) held from Oct. 23 to 26, 2025, at Universitas Jember. The competition brought together 44 teams from 68 universities, showcasing their best innovations in the development of energy-efficient vehicles.
This year, Semar UGM fielded two teams in the electric motor category. Semar Urban UGM won second place in the Urban Concept Battery Electric category, while Semar Proto UGM secured third place in the Prototype Battery Electric category.
This achievement reflects the hard work of 19 students from various disciplines, including Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, and Electronics and Instrumentation.
Team Leader Muhammad Ghani Prayatna explained the differences between prototype and urban concept vehicles, both of which use electric propulsion systems.
He noted that prototype cars are designed to be as aerodynamic as possible to achieve the highest energy efficiency, while urban concept cars resemble conventional vehicles, complete with four wheels, lights, wipers, and mirrors.
“However, in terms of fuel and propulsion systems, all our vehicles are powered by electricity to meet the standards of energy-efficient cars,” said the Mechanical Engineering student, Friday (Oct. 31).
Prayatna acknowledged that KMHE 2025 presented new challenges compared to previous years, including the use of new cars with different structures and designs that required extensive adjustments from mechanical and proportional aspects, as well as to energy systems.
During the three-month preparation period, the team conducted vehicle testing only at Mandala Krida Stadium or Maguwoharjo Stadium, both of which lack sharp turns like those found on professional circuits, such as Mandalika or Ancol.
“In fact, 90-degree turns can significantly affect the car’s performance and energy efficiency,” he added.
For Prayatna, competitions are not merely about speed but also tests of mental resilience and professionalism. The mindset he and his team cultivated was to remain humble despite experience and confident without arrogance.
He emphasized that this mentality has become a defining trait of Semar UGM in every competition they enter.
Although proud of their achievements, Prayatna noted that final results are not the only measure of success. According to him, no car design is ever perfect.
“If a car is rated 10 out of 10, it means there’s no more room for innovation. We always view ours as 8 or 9, so we can continue to improve. What matters most is working hard and staying passionate; good results will follow from our best efforts,” he said.
Author: Hanifah
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Rajendra Arya
Photograph: FT UGM