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Purpose

The purpose of this study is to present a new approach of a hydrogen-based green energy supply system intended for powering electric vehicles using fuel cells (FCs) and suitable for sustainable urban automobile transportations.

Design/methodology/approach

To resolve the problems with current electric vehicles, which are cost, autonomy and charging infrastructure, the authors have developed in this study a new prototype which uses an autonomous hydrogen production system, embedded in the vehicle and assisted by a photovoltaic source and ion-lithium batteries. The on-board produced hydrogen is then used by a reversible FC (PEMFC) to generate electricity to power the vehicle engine.

Findings

The obtained results demonstrated that the FC could provide approximately 70% of the required current once the vehicle was in motion, with the remaining 30% supplied by the battery. The carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions were reduced of 98%.

Research limitations/implications

A most vehicles use an internal combustion engine causing serious air pollution and the inability to meet new clean energy standards with zero CO2 emissions. In this same context, hybrid vehicles produce at least 80 g of CO2 every km, which is much higher than the Kyoto, Copenhagen and Paris COP21 policies.

Social implications

This study will help to create the best ecological ecosystem with low greenhouse emissions.

Originality/value

This concept offers many advantages, such as increased range, reduced recharge time, increasing the system autonomy and no CO2 emissions, which contribute to reducing air pollution, regulation with CE protocols and moving toward cleaner and more sustainable mobility.

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