International Scientific Journals
of Scientific Technical Union of Mechanical Engineering "Industry 4.0"

Nowadays hybrid vehicles take increasing share of new road vehicles, but also the electric vehicles have continuous development which is a sign of a serious beginning of new era of their use. The goals of introducing of these vehicles include lowering of the negative impact on the environment and also reducing of their operational costs. Together with the mentioned trends, there are some specifics related to the risks of using this type of vehicles. This paper gives the key elements related to the development of hybrid and electric vehicles with emphasis of the general distinctions in terms of conventional vehicles with internal combustion engines. The paper has focus on risk identification and hazards that can arise from hybrid and electric vehicles, which are specifically related to their technical differences from conventional vehicles with internal combustion engine. Those risks exist when the vehicles are in use, but also even when the vehicle is not in operation. There is also identification of potential risks for the emergency staff when there is accident with these types of vehicles. The paper also addresses the possible harmful events that can happen later or because of improper repairs of the vehicles. Having in mind that the literature sources are quite moderate and in Republic of Macedonia there is none, the conclusion represent an effort to systemize the available knowledge in order to help vehicle users and professionals to mitigate or lower the recognized risks.

Electrical vehicles are in a new phase of development and utilisation. It has been a long time before such initiatives have taken place. In the meantime the transport as a whole (vehicles, roads, traffic, etc.) has been significantly changed. As expected the main role in this process globally, and regionally is taken by the biggest economies and companies. Besides the environmental priorities, the nature of transport which does not recognise borders enforces smaller economies and countries to adopt their policies in this area, and take chances of the development. This seems to be very complex process with number of challenges. Some of them are very specific for different countries, and it is up to the local researchers to recognize and deal with them. This paper addresses the problem of the infrastructure, i.e. developing of a network of charging stations. Since there are number of specific technical aspects accompanying electric vehicles (types of vehicles, range, charging limitations, price, etc.), the research has started with analysis of the vehicle fleet, road network, and intensity of the traffic in different areas of Republic of Macedonia. This picture is compared with technical characteristics of emerging electric vehicles on the market. That was the way to recognize advantages and disadvantages of use of electric vehicles as substitution of some of the vehicles in the actual fleet. Possible development of use of electric vehicles in the country had to be estimated based on foreign experiences, and such policies in the country. As a result an approach towards development of network of charging stations in Republic of Macedonia has been defined. There is an obvious need this view to be widely presented and discussed with a possible outcome to serve as contribution to the challenges similar countries will face soon.