Recent developments in alternative fuel vehicles, infrastructure and their prospects in replacing internal combustion engine vehicles.

Abstract

Internal combustion engine vehicles are a major source of pollution. To prevent a devastating impact on the environment, steps need to be taken to transition from combustion engine vehicles to cleaner alternatives. The availability of fossil fuels is also rapidly declining. These reasons make a fast transition to alternative fuel vehicles a necessity.

Currently, two technologies are the most likely successors to internal combustion engines: battery electric and fuel cell electric and were therefore focussed on in this thesis project. Their perspectives in replacing the internal combustion engines were explored.

In this thesis project, the recent developments in battery electric vehicles, fuel cell electric vehicles and their infrastructure were reviewed. Life cycle assessments of various vehicle technologies were explored and compared. The impact of energy generation on the life cycle emissions of alternative fuel vehicles were studied.