Solar Hydrogen Powered Electric Vehicle
The SOHYPE project has led to the development of a prototype electric vehicle (Emilia4Hydrogen, E4H), powered by solar panels, a battery, and hydrogen fuel cells. The vehicle is intended to participate in international competitions, further developing the technology of the powertrain. The solutions implemented on E4H will be shared with other projects developed at UNIBO, starting from UniBoAT, a prototype electric boat with a similar power supply configuration, to Hydrone, a student project for the development of a fuel cell drone, and MOVERT, a prototype drone with an 80 kg payload, whose range can be improved by using hydrogen fuel cells.
The project is part of a series of activities in which students can familiarize themselves with new technologies through a learning by doing approach, while researchers contribute to the development of these technologies, thanks to the availability of these mobile laboratories. The solar + fuel cell solution could become widespread in the future, thanks to the possibility of achieving greater ranges compared to battery-only units. The applications can range from trucks to boats, from off-highway vehicles to drones and aircraft.
