Emission-free vehicle
An emission-free vehicle (also known as zero-emission vehicle ) is a vehicle that does not emit any harmful substances into its immediate surroundings.
This definition mostly refers to motor vehicles . The Californian Zero Emission Vehicle Declaration is a reference in this area . Air pollution control was and is an environmental impetus for this in this context .
Often, muscle-powered , fuel-cell-powered and electrically powered vehicles in particular are defined as included in the term . Rail, air and water vehicles are also included. For example, the solar airship LOTTE was able to carry out air quality measurements in the early 1990s without the risk of falsifying the results through its own drive.
Different substances are referred to depending on the context of the term. As a rule, toxins and pollutants such as carbon monoxide , nitrogen oxides or unburned hydrocarbons (fuel) from internal combustion engines fall under the relevant regulations for air pollution control. However, water vapor and gases that are harmful to the climate, such as carbon dioxide, are often excluded.
Other emissions , such as noise and fine dust (including brake and tire wear ), are also not taken into account. Added to this are the release of lubricants and the environment, emissions from primary energy generation and emissions from production.
Emission-free vehicles are very suitable for operation within closed areas, for example factory halls.