Research opportunities on modern electric and electric-fuel cell hybrid vehicles. R&D potential and capabilities for future business

The development of automobiles with internal combustion engines is without any doubt, one of the greatest achievements of modern technology. The principle and basic technologies remained unchanged over the last 100 years and proved its potential. However, the large number of automobiles in use around the world are causing nowadays serious problems for the environment. Deterioration in air quality, global warming and the scarcity of hydrocarbons resources are becoming the major threats to human beings. In this context, more and more stringent emissions and fuel consumption regulations are stimulating an interest in the development of safe, clean, and high-efficiency transportation. It has been well recognized that electric, hybrid electric, and fuel cell-powered drive train technologies are the most promising solutions to the problems of surface transportation in the future. At this moment, the automotive industry’s quest to limit its impact on the environment and transform the automotive mobility into a sustainable mode of transportation continues at high intensity, despite the current economic difficulties. Development in areas like safety and security, navigation, car maintenance has continued apace. In parallel, new propulsion technologies appears to be a new market imperative. These changes represent significant opportunities as well as important challenges. A key issue is the move from the development stage to actual implementation and many see standardization as a major part of the solution. Romania cannot afford not to be involved in this global effort. There are declared opportunities for partnerships and cooperation into this field, expressed by several Chinese and Romanian organizations. This could be used as basis for stimulating technological innovation, enabling co-operation between research and industry.