Alternative propulsion technologies are becoming increasingly important with the rise of stricter regulations for vehicle efficiency, emission regulations, and concerns over the sustainability of crude oil supplies. The fuel cell is a critical component of alternative propulsion systems, and as such has many aspects to consider in its design. Fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) powered by proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEFC) and fueled by hydrogen, offer the promise of zero emissions with excellent driving range of 300-400 miles, and fast refueling times; two major advantages over battery electric vehicles (BEVs). FCEVs face several remaining major challenges in order to achieve widespread and rapid commercialization. Many of the challenges, especially those from an FCEV system and subsystem cost and performance perspective are addressed in this book. Chapter topics include: • impact of FCEV commercialization • ways to address barriers to the market introduction of alternative vehicles • new hydrogen infrastructure cost comparisons • onboard chemical hydride storage • optimization of a fuel cell hybrid vehicle powertrain design

Alternative propulsion technologies are becoming increasingly important with the rise of stricter regulations for vehicle efficiency, emission regulations, and concerns over the sustainability of crude oil supplies. The fuel cell is a critical component of alternative propulsion systems, and as such has many aspects to consider in its design. Fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) powered by proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEFC) and fueled by hydrogen, offer the promise of zero emissions with excellent driving range of 300-400 miles, and fast refueling times; two major advantages over battery electric vehicles (BEVs). FCEVs face several remaining major challenges in order to achieve widespread and rapid commercialization. Many of the challenges, especially those from an FCEV system and subsystem cost and performance perspective are addressed in this book. Chapter topics include: • impact of FCEV commercialization • ways to address barriers to the market introduction of alternative vehicles • new hydrogen infrastructure cost comparisons • onboard chemical hydride storage • optimization of a fuel cell hybrid vehicle powertrain design

Fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) powered by proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEFC) and fueled by hydrogen, offer the promise of zero emissions with excellent driving range and fast refueling times. FCEVs face several remaining challenges in order to achieve widespread commercialisation. Many of the challenges are addressed in this book.

Global transportation possesses have compelling rationales for reducing the consumption of oil, emissions of carbon dioxide, and noise pollution. Transitions to alternative transportation technologies such as electric vehicles (EVs) have gained increased attention from the automotive industries. A fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) occupying a hydrogen engine is one of the most stupendous technologies, since it is suitable for a large-scale transportation. However, its performance limitations are in question due to voltage degradation in long term operations through steady conditions under constant load and dynamic working conditions. Other drawbacks of using fuel cells in EVs are energy balances and management issues necessary for vehicle power and energy requirements. An efficient solution to accommodate driving behavior like dynamic loads comprises of hybridizing PEMFCs with energy storage devices like supercapacitors and batteries. This opening chapter reviews the projected gist of FCEV status; considers the factors that are going to affect how FCEVs could enter commercialization, including the importance of fuel cells for EV technologies; the degradation diagnoses using accelerated stress test (AST) procedures; FCEV hybridization; and the contribution of an energy storage device for charging EVs. The article also addresses case studies relating to material degradation occurring from driving behavior. Information about material degradation can be compiled into a database for the improvement of cell component performance and durability, leading to the creation of new materials and new fuel cell hybridization designs. To support the growth of EV technologies, an energy storage is required for the integrated alternative electricity generations. A redox flow battery is considered as a promising candidate in terms of attractive charging station for EVs or HEVs.

Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (HFCVs) could alleviate the nation's dependence on oil and reduce U.S. emissions of carbon dioxide, the major greenhouse gas. Industry-and government-sponsored research programs have made very impressive technical progress over the past several years, and several companies are currently introducing pre-commercial vehicles and hydrogen fueling stations in limited markets. However, to achieve wide hydrogen vehicle penetration, further technological advances are required for commercial viability, and vehicle manufacturer and hydrogen supplier activities must be coordinated. In particular, costs must be reduced, new automotive manufacturing technologies commercialized, and adequate supplies of hydrogen produced and made available to motorists. These efforts will require considerable resources, especially federal and private sector funding. This book estimates the resources that will be needed to bring HFCVs to the point of competitive self-sustainability in the marketplace. It also estimates the impact on oil consumption and carbon dioxide emissions as HFCVs become a large fraction of the light-duty vehicle fleet.

Increasing regulatory pressures are being applied to automotive manufacturers requiring them to reduce the negative impacts that their vehicles have on the environment. In response to these regulations, and evolving consumer preferences, manufacturers are heavily invested in identifying technologies to increase fuel economy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Alternative propulsion technologies, such as fuel cells, are of tremendous interest to provide these benefits. However, factors including refueling infrastructure requirements, technology costs, and consumer willingness-to-consider all significantly impact the commercial viability of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (HFCVs). I develop a system dynamics model to explore the temporal importance of critical factors required to build a market for HFCVs that is sustainable in the long-term. This methodology allows for the following: 1) Infrastructure: Identification of optimal hydrogen infrastructure growth necessary in order to support HFCV adoption and minimize required fueling stations. Additionally, the conditions in which external construction and operational support may give way to organic growth can be determined. 2) HFCV Ownership Costs: A time-dependent characterization of vehicle price and ownership subsidies can be ascertained to facilitate adoption. 3) Familiarity Accumulation: Assessment of the marketing investment necessary to yield desired HFCV adoption while minimizing costs. 4) Regulatory Requirements: Projection of compliance with Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Action Plan requirements, highlighting potential impacts and possible mitigation measures.

The Hydrogen Energy Transition addresses the key issues and actions that need to be taken to achieve a changeover to hydrogen power as it relates to vehicles and transportation, and explores whether such a transition is likely, or even possible. Government agencies and leaders in industry recognize the need to utilize hydrogen as an energy source in order to provide cleaner, more efficient, and more reliable energy for the world's economies. This book analyzes this need and presents the most up-to-date government, industry, and academic information analyzing the use of hydrogen energy as an alternative fuel. With contributions from policy makers and researchers in the government, corporate, academic and public interest sectors, The Hydrogen Energy Transition brings together the viewpoints of professionals involved in all aspects of the hydrogen-concerned community. The text addresses key questions regarding the feasibility of transition to hydrogen fuel as a means of satisfying the world's rapidly growing energy needs. The initiatives set forth in this text will mold the research, development and education efforts for hydrogen that will assist in the rapidly growing transportation needs for automobiles and other vehicles.* Presentations by the world's leaders in government, industry and academia* Real-world solutions for the world's current fuel crisis.* Endorsed by the University of California Transportation Center and Transportation Research Board

Recent progress with fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) has focused attention on hydrogen infrastructure as a critical commercialization barrier. With major automakers focused on 2015 as a target timeframe for global FCEV commercialization, the window of opportunity is short for establishing a sufficient network of hydrogen stations to support large-volume vehicle deployments. This report describes expert feedback on the market readiness of hydrogen infrastructure technology from two activities: 1) the Hydrogen Infrastructure Market Readiness workshop held Feruary 16-17, 2011, at the Gaylord National Hotel, National Harbor, Maryland; and 2) collection of cost data from the Hydrogen Station Cost Calculator (HSCC), administered by IDC Energy Insights and providing anonymous, weighted, aggregate cost results from 11 stakeholders on four types of hydrogen stations.