![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.hydrogencarsnow.com\/images\/blog\/melbourne-taxi-2020.jpg\" "\\"Melbourne")
The Melbourne Taxi 2020 Concept was created by Damian Lucaciu, a student designer from the RMIT University, Australia. The project involved the computer design of a green alternative fuel vehicle that would help clean up the streets of Melbourne.<\/p>\n
The eco-friendly Taxi 2020 Concept was designed to be both green, (using hydrogen fuel cell, lithium ion batteries and electric motors), and passenger and driver friendly. This plug-in hybrid would not only run on hydrogen but could be plugged in and recharged using a traditional wall socket or at special recharging stations strategically placed around Melbourne.<\/p>\n
As an additional bonus, the Taxi 2020 has a set of small solar panels mounted on the rooftop to recharge the vehicle using the sun\u2019s energy. Granted this may be a bit of overkill because of the hydrogen fuel cell and plug-in hybrid capabilities already in place, but as a student design project, this gives additional options for recharging.<\/p>\n
For the driver, the Melbourne Taxi 2020 Concept uses GPS, a SmartCard system, and night riding capabilities. For the passengers, there is an entertainment system, disability accommodations and a focus on curbside access.<\/p>\n
For safety and fuel efficiency, the aluminum frame covered by a polycarbonate outer shell makes the vehicle lightweight, impact resistant and has high optical qualities for driver visibility. Of course, London will have their hydrogen fuel cell black taxis<\/a> in place for the 2012 Olympics, which are working vehicles and not just design<\/a> concepts.<\/p>\n