Motor vehicles: type-approval of hydrogen-powered vehicles

PURPOSE: to incorporate hydrogen vehicles of categories M1, M2, M3 and N1, N2, N3 in the EU whole vehicle type approval framework.

PROPOSED ACT: Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council.

BACKGROUND: hydrogen is not a source of energy but a promising energy carrier. The use of hydrogen as fuel for road vehicles offers an environmentally friendly solution for mobility At present, hydrogen powered vehicles are not included in the European Community vehicle type-approval framework. This situation results in a fragmented internal market of these vehicles, which discourages the introduction of this environmentally friendly technology.

Furthermore, hydrogen is a substance that has different characteristics from conventional fuels that are used for vehicle propulsion. In order to realise the environmental benefits associated with the use of hydrogen vehicles, the share of these in the total vehicle fleet should be increased.

The proper functioning of the single market in the European Union requires common standards regarding the approval of hydrogen powered vehicles. At the same time, since there are perceived safety issues with using hydrogen for vehicle propulsion, it should be ensured that hydrogen systems are as safe as conventional propulsion technologies.

CONTENT: the proposal foresees the amendment of the Framework Directive 2007/46/EC in order to include hydrogen vehicles in the approval procedure. It specifies technical requirements to be applied for the type-approval of hydrogen components (hydrogen containers and hydrogen components other than containers) included in the hydrogen system in order to ensure that hydrogen related components are working in a proper and safe way. In addition, it includes requirements for the type-approval of vehicles with regard to the installation of hydrogen components or systems in vehicles. The proposal foresees the amendment of separate type-approval Directives and Regulations in order to include specific requirements for hydrogen powered vehicles.