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The economics of the transition to fuel cell vehicles with natural gas, hybrid-electric vehicles as the bridge

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  • Burke, Andrew
  • Zhu, Lin

Abstract

Detailed comparisons are made between various types of light-duty vehicles fueled with natural gas and hydrogen. Natural gas vehicles are designed as charge sustaining hybrid vehicles (HEV) and hydrogen fueled vehicles (FCV) are powered by a fuel cell. All the vehicles have a range of 400 miles between refueling stops. This paper is concerned primarily with the near-term time period in which the fuel cell technology is maturing and the hydrogen infrastructure is being constructed both with respect to refueling stations and the source of the hydrogen being distributed. Detailed computer simulations are presented for vehicle classes from compact cars to mid-size SUVs. Energy (MJ) and volume (L) of fuel storage required to meet the 400 mile range target for each vehicle using natural gas and hydrogen are compared. Costs of the vehicles simulated are projected for 2015–2030. Cost results indicate that the costs of ownership of the natural gas HEVs and the hydrogen fuel cell vehicles become close in the 2025–2030 time period. CO2 emissions from natural gas fueled hybrid and fuel cell vehicles are calculated and compared for hydrogen and electricity from natural gas. Ways in which the introduction of the natural gas fueled vehicles could be a bridge to the mass marketing of fuel cell vehicles are discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Burke, Andrew & Zhu, Lin, 2015. "The economics of the transition to fuel cell vehicles with natural gas, hybrid-electric vehicles as the bridge," Research in Transportation Economics, Elsevier, vol. 52(C), pages 65-71.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:retrec:v:52:y:2015:i:c:p:65-71
    DOI: 10.1016/j.retrec.2015.10.005
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jenn, Alan & Azevedo, Inês L. & Ferreira, Pedro, 2013. "The impact of federal incentives on the adoption of hybrid electric vehicles in the United States," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 40(C), pages 936-942.
    2. Burke, Andy, 2009. "Ultracapacitor Technologies and Application in Hybrid and Electric Vehicles," Institute of Transportation Studies, Working Paper Series qt9p18x8s8, Institute of Transportation Studies, UC Davis.
    3. Zhao, Hengbing & Burke, Andy, 2009. "Optimum Performance of Direct Hydrogen Hybrid Fuel Cell Vehicles," Institute of Transportation Studies, Working Paper Series qt5x31w1vd, Institute of Transportation Studies, UC Davis.
    4. Burke, Andy & Miller, Marshall, 2009. "Electrochemical Capacitors as Energy Storage in Hybrid-Electric Vehicles: Present Status and Future Prospects," Institute of Transportation Studies, Working Paper Series qt7r75s6mx, Institute of Transportation Studies, UC Davis.
    5. Burke, Andrew & Zhao, Hengbing & Van Gelder, Eric, 2009. "Simulated Performance of Alternative Hybrid-Electric Powertrains in Vehicles on Various Driving Cycles," Institute of Transportation Studies, Working Paper Series qt7nt461g1, Institute of Transportation Studies, UC Davis.
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    Cited by:

    1. Liu, Hu-Chen & You, Xiao-Yue & Xue, Yi-Xi & Luan, Xue, 2017. "Exploring critical factors influencing the diffusion of electric vehicles in China: A multi-stakeholder perspective," Research in Transportation Economics, Elsevier, vol. 66(C), pages 46-58.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Natural gas; Hydrogen; Hybrids; Fuel cells; Costs; Markets; Transitions;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • Q2 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Renewable Resources and Conservation
    • Q3 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Nonrenewable Resources and Conservation
    • Q4 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Energy

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