Scientific paper ID 2683 : 2025/4

The aim of this paper is to present and cover the wide range of existing conventionally powered vehicles that should gradually be replaced by their hydrogen-powered equivalents. Due to several disadvantages associated with hydrogen technologies, hydrogen-powered vehicles are still not widely adopted.

In order for hydrogen to be accepted as a viable alternative to vehicles with internal combustion engines—and in some cases, even to purely electric vehicles—a broad range of hydrogen-powered vehicles must be developed, offering sufficient convenience and cost-effectiveness in operation. Beyond reducing harmful emissions and eliminating dependency on fossil fuels, hydrogen-powered vehicles must also be efficient and safe, in line with increasingly stringent modern standards.

Regardless of their type and purpose, hydrogen vehicles specialized infrastructure to fulfill the tasks expected of them in the future. Ground transport is particularly suitable for the development of these technologies, given its ubiquity and the lower consequences of propulsion failure compared to air or water transport. On a global scale, there is already substantial experience that can serve as a foundation for national-level research and development in our country. The scientific and technical potential in Bulgaria should be engaged with this topic in order to ensure a smooth and trouble-free transition to the widespread use of hydrogen in various sectors of the economy.