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| 5.2 Hybrid, Electric and Alternatively Fuelled Vehicles |
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- Scope
- HEAFV Technology Directions
- Fuel Cells
- Hybrid Powertrains
- Advanced Internal Combustion Engines
- Electrics and Electronics (for energy and drive systems)
- Conventional and Alternative Fuels
- System Integration and Infrastructure
- Design and Manufacture
- Technology Targets
- Research Priorities
- Overview
- HEAFV Technologies from Version 1.0 |
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The hybrid, electric and alternatively fuelled vehicle (HEAFV) technology theme includes the following vehicle systems and functions:
- Application of new and alternative fuel types, such as hydrogen, LPG, CNG, LNG, bio-diesel and bio-ethanol/methanol.
- Conversion of energy in conventional and alternative fuels to useful mechanical power.
- Electrical motors for vehicle propulsion, storage systems, hybrids and fuel cells for converting fuels directly to electrical energy.
Note that there is commonality between some of these areas and those covered by the Engine and Powertrain thematic group, although the applications are different between the groups.
Market and industry trends and drivers that are particularly relevant to this technology theme include: |
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| Social |
Desire for less polluting vehicles with today’s level of performance or better, without cost inflation. Although the public are becoming aware of the possibility of climate change through publicised extreme weather events (and in fictional films), it is not yet affecting vehicle purchase behaviour. Performance and cost effectiveness demonstrations are needed for this to happen. Increasing urban population density will also act to aid the introduction of quieter and less polluting vehicles. |
| Economic |
Recent (2004) oil price instability caused by international events coupled with the supply/demand equation are likely to lead to oil price rises continuing as a long term trend unless significant new and accessible reserves are found. This will act as a driver for the introduction of propulsion technologies which use less (or no) oil-derived fuels. Recent improved efficiencies of conventional fuel and engine systems may represent barriers to entry in the short term for alternative solutions. |
| Environmental |
Global warming is now widely accepted as a fact and the safe assumption is that the results will be unpleasant and undesirable. Substantial reduction of the greenhouse gas CO2 is accepted to be a necessity to mitigate the effect. This is a major driver to the introduction of technologies to reduce CO2 emissions, with a desired target of eliminating it completely.Pollutants from the combustion process are known to cause detrimental health effects, particularly in urban environments. This leads to the development of methods for the reduction and treatment of gaseous pollutants and particulates. |
| Technological |
There is a requirement to develop efficient new fuel and power systems, such as hydrogen and fuel cells, together with hybrid powertrains and fuel tolerant internal combustion systems. Many suitable technologies exist (at least at the laboratory stage) but are not yet mature enough for volume application, requiring substantial work to be done on cost effectiveness, efficiency, reliability and durability. Lack of maturity of the technologies is such that it is not yet possible to define a development path, so a broad research and development front is needed. |
| Political |
UK Government, European and International policies, regulations and legislation concerning transport, energy, CO2 and other emissions, health and safety and waste management all affect these vehicles. The UK has declared it will take the lead in Europe for the reduction of CO2 with attendant wealth creation in the industrial and HEI bases. |
| Infrastructural |
New engine solutions need to be developed in parallel to the establishment of associated fuel and infrastructure. New fuels and propulsion units can be trialled on captive, single base, fleets, e.g. buses and public service vehicles, and possibly also with construction vehicles |
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| HEAFV Technology Directions |
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The expert opinion obtained during the construction of Version 1.0 of the Technology Roadmap is still relevant and valid, and is given at the end of this section for completeness. Review of this information in a workshop highlighted the following as the important themes for classification of technology directions:
- Fuel cells
- Hybrid powertrains
- Advanced internal combustion engines
- Electrics and electronics
- Conventional and alternative fuels
- Systems integration and infrastructure
- Design and manufacture.
Whilst not superseding the data obtained in Version 1.0, the information below adds to it and represents current thinking on those aspects of technology introduction which are considered important. |
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