Each team is unique, from vehicle architectures to outreach strategies, and the same holds true for the exterior design of their vehicles. Even at this early prototype stage of vehicle development, many of the EcoCARs are custom-painted and personalized with images of the schools’ mascots and EcoCAR logos.Embry-Riddle’s vehicle features a vinyl wrap with a beautiful design. It has a grass lining on the bottom that fades into a blue sky with clouds and a starry sky. The team says their design illustrates how energy can be found in all areas of our universe. But this stellar wrap wasn’t designed by professional graphic artists, the team’s wrap was designed and applied by a member of the EcoCAR team – just one more example of how EcoCAR is truly a multi-disciplinary project.

The University of Ontario Institute of Technology who is the only fully-functional electric vehicle features an “electrifying” design with lightning bolts across the car and a giant electric plug over the rear quarter panel. The team which is from Ontario, Canada painted a giant maple leaf on the roof of the vehicle.

The Rose-Hulman team was preparing to compete in the desert when they painted their vehicle. And what better design for the desert than camouflage, of course! If it wasn’t for the sponsor logos on the vehicle, it might just fade into the scenic Arizona landscape.

Texas Tech showed off their Texas pride with their vehicle design. A massive Texas flag covered the roof of the car and was incorporated into the Chevy emblem on the front and rear of the vehicle. The vehicle also featured some special custom badges such as “Chevrolet EcoCAR” on the rear and “Texas Edition” (with a star in the name) on the side panels.

The EcoCAR Mentors from General Motors judged all of the vehicles designs yesterday. Which one do you think they will pick to will win the award for “Best Vehicle Appearance?” Get an up-close look at the 16 EcoCARs in the slideshow below and pick your favorite design.