FCV's for a More Sustainable Mobility in 2050 2010-01-0850

Today we are facing an accelerated vehicle technology development, it has progressed so much that the propulsion systems have been diversified; vehicle electrification is a reality, and we already are in a technological transition to the mobility for the future. Then, technological trends versus a technological vision are addressed in order to understand how to create a technological momentum for a more Global Sustainable Mobility (GSM). Fuel Cell Vehicles (FCV's) are undergoing extensive research and development because of their potential for high efficiency, low emissions and no petrol demand; however, is this technology that will dominate the roads in 2050? An investigation and analysis of the Future Vehicle Propulsion Systems (FVPS's) are presented to meet the vision for a GSM by the year 2050 as a long-term thinking that might produce better short-term decisions.

Internal combustion engines (ICE's) developments and their major changes may be truncated while technology is growing on batteries, fuel cells and the efficient use of energy. Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV's) have the potential to meet the short term stringent regulations as well as Fuel Economy (FE) and CO₂ goals, it can be considered as the first step forward into GSM, therefore there is an urgency for a global energy policy that promotes a real efficient use of energy as the cheapest and fastest way to move towards a global future sustainable mobility. GSM is possible, a change of mindset is necessary for sustainable growth through education of our future generations.