Design, Development and Evaluation of an Electric Urban Concept Vehicle Prototype Powered by a Hydrogen Fuel Cell

The vehicles powered by internal combustion engines (ICE) are one of the primary factors for air pollution. The pollutants released by these vehicles, such as particulate matter (PM), ozone, nitrogen dioxide, carbon, monoxide, sulphur dioxide are responsible for a number of adverse environmental effects. Some of these effects include acid rain, deforestation, reduced atmospheric visibility and others. Nitrogen oxide, for example, is one of the primary gasses, which are formed by emissions from motor vehicles with ICE. Another unpleasant and harmful effect from the operation of ICE powered vehicles is the noise. To reduce the levels of harmful emissions and to minimize the noise pollution, many leading countries have started pilot project and initiatives for the gradual transition to electrical vehicles or vehicles powered by alternative fuel sources, including natural gas, hydrogen, propane, biofuels and methanol. These initiatives focus mainly on the replacement of the public or specialized transport with a more efficient and at the same time eco-friendly solution and are expected to be followed by the wider public introduction of vehicles powered by alternative fuel sources.