Institute of Vehicle Concepts

Several new magnesium alloys have been developed recently for hightemperature applications to obtain an optimal combination of die castability, creep resistance, mechanical properties, corrosion performance, and affordability. Unfortunately, it is diffi cult to achieve an adequate combination of properties and, in fact, most of the new alloys can only partially meet the required performance and cost. The ZE41 alloy, which is used for most gravity-casting applications, has moderate strength and creep resistance combined with good castability. Although this alloy exhibits poor corrosion resistance, it is still preferred for certain applications.

A method for assessing the potential and costs of various technologies for CO 2 emission reduction of passenger cars, using a newly built computer model, is presented. A variety of vehicle technologies, each with different attributes regarding CO 2 emissions and costs, is simulated for the supply side, as well a variety of different synthetic customer groups for the demand side within the model. An econometric based selection process calculates the number of each type of new vehicle sold in any year of the simulation. Hence, deriving future market shares of vehicle technologies and overall CO 2 emissions is possible. The detailed technology database used for calculations includes conventional vehicle propulsion technologies as well as innovative vehicle concepts (battery electric vehicles, extended range electric vehicles, fuel cell vehicles). Cost degression effects for new technologies are incorporated using learning curves, with costs depending on the cumulative number of vehicles sold. Different types of fuels and influence of crude oil price on fuel prices are taken into account, as well as different taxation systems. Using the model, different scenarios for future development of CO 2 emissions of the new vehicle fleet as well as the vehicle stock are evaluated for the time period 2009-2030.

Fuel cell vehicles should be further improved. Key issues are cost reduction; higher power density of the primary energy converter, the fuel cell; wider operation ranges and improvement of operation parameters, e.g. higher operation temperature and starting ability in freezing conditions. Using advanced materials and construction principles is a key factor by meeting these requirements. The paper gives a short introduction to the technology of fuel cell vehicles and the most prominent fuel cell type for traction applications, the polymer-electrolyte-membrane fuel cell (PEFC). Progress in material development of a core component of the PEFC, the bipolar plate is described. In the second part of the paper some ideas are presented, in which way material research could help to enable suitable on-board storages for hydrogen. Namely, a new approach to design compressed gas storages and new developments in materials for solid state hydrogen storage are brought to attention.