Design of a zero-emission metal hydride-based refueling station for H2-powered L6e light-duty hybrid vehicles

This study evaluates hydrogen’s potential to decarbonize light-duty transport by designing a zero-emission, off-grid refueling station for eight L6e-category hybrid quadricycles. Optimized for a 30 km daily mileage per vehicle, the system integrates a 7.12 kWp photovoltaic plant, a 5 kW PEM electrolyzer, and a 6 kWh Li-ion buffer battery. To address intermittent solar production, an 800 kWh metal hydride storage system ( ∼ 24 kg of H 2 ) is utilized, featuring phase change materials for passive thermal management. Results confirm technical feasibility with a 97.3% self-sufficiency ratio and a 69.5% overall production and storage efficiency. Annually, the infrastructure supports a 62,640 km fleet range, reducing CO 2 emissions by approximately 8.77 tons compared to gasoline alternatives. Furthermore, increasing mileage to 100 km remains sustainable, requiring a PV area of 105 m 2 , which is compatible with standard parking surfaces. This demonstrates the viability of distributed, small-scale hydrogen infrastructure for urban logistics.