Fuel Cell Electric

A fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) converts the chemical energy from a fuel, for example hydrogen, into electricity through a chemical reaction to drive an electric motor. FCEV's only emissions are heat and water. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles include the Hyundai Tucson and Honda FCX Clarity.


A number of fuel cell powered electric vehicles are on the roads worldwide, including passenger cars, delivery trucks, buses and military vehicles. Researchers are working to bring down fuel cell and related component costs and to improve durability to enable full commercialization. California boasts the largest number of fuel cell fleets, and there are demonstration projects nationwide, including Washington, DC.


Advantages of fuel cell electric vehicles:

- Zero tailpipe emissions (no CO2 or other pollutants)

- Higher energy efficiency than the internal combustion engine

- Regenerative braking captures and reuses braking energy

- Potential of near-zero well-to-wheel emissions when using renewable fuels to produce hydrogen

- Energy security: no dependence on petroleum

- Grid connection potential providing energy "on call" to the grid


Challenges:

- Cost reduction

- Increased reliability and durability

- Hydrogen generation, distribution, dispensing and onboard storage

- Availability and affordability of hydrogen refueling

- Codes and standards development

- Scalability for mass manufacture

- Consumer education

Key facts

"Air Products reports 347,000 hydrogen fuelings per year" (Fuel Cells in America)

"Major corporations like IKEA, FedEx, Hilton Hotels and Coca-Cola [use fuel cell vehicles in their fleets]" (The Business Case for Fuel Cells)

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Recent news

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