Design and development of a plug-in by-wire(less) hydrogen internal combustion engine extended range electric vehicle

In recent decades there has been a growing global concern with regards to vehicle-generated green house gas (GHG) emissions and the resulting air pollution. In response, automotive OEMs focus their efforts on developing ldquogreenerrdquo propulsion solutions in order to meet the societal demand and ecological need for clean transportation. Although many automotive experts continue to believe that the hydrogen economy is the future of transportation, there are a number of problems that must be first solved, such as for example a method for clean hydrogen generation, an infrastructure for fuel distribution, and a reduction in costs of hydrogen fuel cells. In this context, our project aims to develop a vehicle which would effectively combine the benefits of plug-in electric vehicle technology such as drive-by-wire capabilities, regenerative braking and electric hub motors with the cleaner burning characteristics of a hydrogen internal combustion engine (H-ICE) based range extender. The hydrogen ICE is advantageous when compared to a hydrogen fuel cell in that it costs significantly less. As such the hydrogen ICE and the extended range electric vehicle (E-REV) architecture are well suited to meet the needs of the automotive industry in the near term by reducing overall GHG emissions, allowing for zero emissions travel during short trips, and by offering a feasible cost effective alternative to the waning supply of petroleum based fuels. The vehiclepsilas electrical systems such as steering, braking, and acceleration will operate wirelessly where possible with a redundant wired connection.