Sustainable transportation based on electric vehicle concepts: a brief overview

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Sustainable transportation based on electric vehicle concepts: a brief overview

Dr Ulrich Eberle*^a and Dr Rittmar von Helmolt^a

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* Corresponding authors

^a Hydrogen, Fuel Cell & Electric Propulsion Research Strategy, GM Alternative Propulsion Center Europe, Adam Opel GmbH, IPC MK-01, 65423 Rüsselsheim, Germany

Abstract

The energy storage system is of decisive importance for all types of electric vehicles, in contrast to the case of vehicles powered by a conventional fossil fuel or bio-fuel based internal combustion engine. Two major alternatives exist and need to be discussed: on the one hand, there is the possibility of electrical energy storage using batteries, whilst on the other hand there is the storage of energy in chemical form as hydrogen and the application of a fuel cell as energy converter. The advantages and limitations, and also the impact of both options are described. To do so, existing GM concept vehicles and mass production vehicles are presented. Eventually, an outlook is given that addresses cost targets and infrastructure opportunities as well as requirements.

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Article information

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1039/C001674H
Article type: Opinion
Submitted: 26 Jan 2010
Accepted: 26 Mar 2010
First published: 14 May 2010

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Energy Environ. Sci., 2010,3, 689-699

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