Urban hydrogen adoption in Linz, Austria: Simulation and statistical detection of anomalies in sustainable mobility

The transition to Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles (HFCVs) is recognized for its potential to eliminate tailpipe emissions and promote cleaner urban mobility. This study examines the impact of varying HFCV adoption rates, as well as the number and location of hydrogen refueling stations, on emissions, driving behavior, and traffic dynamics in urban environments. A hybrid methodology, combining statistical analyses and machine learning techniques, was used to simulate all scenarios in the city of Linz, Austria. The simulation results indicate that the configuration of hydrogen refueling infrastructure, along with smoother driving patterns, can contribute to reduced congestion and significantly lower CO2 emissions in high-traffic urban areas. Increasing the proportion of HFCVs was also found to be beneficial due to their use of electric motors powered by hydrogen fuel cells, which offer features such as instant torque, regenerative braking and responsive acceleration. Although these features are not unique to HFCVs, they contributed to a slight shift in driving behavior toward smoother and more energy-efficient patterns. This change occurred due to improved acceleration and deceleration capabilities, which reduced the need for harsh maneuvers and supported steadier driving. However, the overall effect is highly dependent on traffic conditions and real-world driving behavior. Furthermore, marginal and context-dependent improvements in traffic flow were observed in certain areas. These were attributed to HFCVs' responsive acceleration, which might assist in smoother merging and reduce stop-and-go conditions. These findings provide valuable insights for transportation planners and policymakers aiming to promote sustainable urban development.