Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles

The practical use of hydrogen as a fuel is gaining momentum. Technological advances in production, distribution, and storage are helping it move from being a theoretical ideal dream fuel to one that is practically and economically in common use within the next few years. At the end of 2007, there were 223 hydrogen fuel cell vehicles in use in the U.S. . At the end of 2008, there were 58 operating hydrogen fueling stations in the U.S., 26 of which are in California with another 10 commisioned by the California Fuel Cell Partnership (CAFCP).

California Energy Commission mandates require that fuel cell vehicles account for 10% of new vehicle sales by 2020, with an additional 10% of new vehicles utilizing other alternative fuel technologies. In response to the $1.2 billion Presidential Hydrogen Fuel Initiative, the U.S. Department of Commerce published a 2003 report estimating fuel cell vehicle production to increase from 800,000 units in 2012 to 10-30 million units by 2030. Fuel cell powered vehicles yield ZERO emissions, emitting only water as a byproduct of energy production. They are relatively quiet, increasingly powerful, and environmentally friendly. Current efficiencies for fuel cell cars reach 45 miles per kilogram (kg) of hydrogen with each kg containing the energy equivalent of one gallon of conventional gasoline.

As of today in the state of California, over 1,000 people are transported daily using hydrogen powered fuel cell prototype vehicles, all serviced by 23 hydrogen-refueling stations in San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Sacramento. Honda, Nissan, Toyota, and BMW have announced their intention to release the next generation of demonstration fuel cell vehicles to selected media and political test drivers early in 2007. These automotive OEMs have announced that the 1st fuel cell cars will be available to California retail consumers in late 2009 or early 2010. Over the next 13 years, demand for transportation grade hydrogen will grow exponentially as the projected millions of fuel cell vehicles hit California highways and as other hydrogen powered vehicles come to market. To meet this demand, the current network of 22 hydrogen refueling stations will have to be expanded to over 2,000 refueling stations by 2020.

For a list of what fuel cell vehicles (and forklifts, boats, trains, and planes) are available, please visit http://www.fuelcells.org/basics/apps.html