Students entered vehicles in either of two categories: Prototype or UrbanConcept. Prototype vehicles are typically smaller in size and more futuristic-looking with an overall design concept to reduce drag and maximise efficiency. In the UrbanConcept category, teams designed and built four-wheel, fuel-economy vehicles that look similar to the passenger cars we see on the road today. For both vehicle categories, teams used either Internal Combustion Engines that run on either diesel, gasoline, ethanol, fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) or Shell Gas to Liquids; or e-mobility energy sources including solar, fuel cells and battery electric technologies.

The Philippine Team fielded a total of six (6) teams which passed the technical and safety inspection and ran the lengths of the Sepang track with their innovative vehicles running on different fuel types.

“Our country’s representatives gave one big fight in the race for energy-efficiency supremacy. Having passed the rigorous technical and safety inspection, and being able to run the lengths of Kuala Lumpur’s world-class racing circuit, is already a feat in itself. Congratulations to Team Philippines!” said Shell Vice President for Communications Roberto Kanapi.

Team Philippines notched credible finishes in the annual event, as follows: DLSU Eco Marathon Team ICE’s car DLSU 100mkII chalked 255 km/liter –ranking 8th in the Prototype -Gasoline Category; DLSU Eco-marathon Team Proto’s car 101 ranked 8th in the Prototype -Battery Electric category, with 270 kilowatts/hour; Team U.P.’s car Kislap ranked 4th in the UrbanConcept -Battery Electric Category with 73 kilowatts/hour and TIP Mileage Team’s Symmetry V2 garnered a mileage of 164 km/liter and clinched the lofty 3rd spot in the Prototype -Diesel Category.

Achieving the best run in the various energy types wasn't the only way to win at Shell Eco-marathon Asia 2012. Teams were also given the opportunity to compete for Off-Track Awards on Safety, Technical Innovation, Design and Communications. In this year’s competition, new awards were also given for Eco-Design, Best Team Spirit and Perseverance in the Face of Adversity.

De La Salle University (DLSU) Eco-marathon Team Proto and Technological Institute of the Philippines (TIP) Mileage won the “Technical Innovation Award” and the “Best in Team Spirit Award” respectively. DLSU Eco-marathon Team Proto impressed judges with an innovative battery management system and smart cruise control function to electronically ensure the best energy efficiency possible. Judge Lee Grant from the Southwest Research Institute said, “They had the most advanced telemetry system I have seen at Shell Eco-marathon Asia.” On the other hand, TIP Mileage stood out with their collaborative spirit, positive dynamics, and highly energised attitudes in the regional competition.