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Review of Environmental Life Cycle Assessment for Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles in Road Transport

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  • Dorota Burchart

    (Faculty of Transport and Aviation Engineering, Silesian University of Technology, Krasińskiego 8, 40-019 Katowice, Poland)

  • Iga Przytuła

    (Faculty of Transport and Aviation Engineering, Silesian University of Technology, Krasińskiego 8, 40-019 Katowice, Poland)

Abstract

This article summarizes current research on the life cycle assessment (LCA) of fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) in road transport. Increasing greenhouse gas emissions and climate change are pushing the transport sector to intensify efforts toward decarbonization. One promising solution is the adoption of hydrogen technologies, whose development is supported by European Union regulations, such as the “Fit for 55” package. FCEVs are characterized by zero emissions during operation, but their environmental impact largely depends on the methods of hydrogen production. The use of renewable energy sources in hydrogen production can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while hydrogen produced from fossil fuels can even result in higher emissions compared to internal combustion engine vehicles. This article also discusses the importance of hydrogen refueling infrastructure and the efficiency of fuel storage and transportation systems. In conclusion, LCA shows that FCEVs can support the achievement of climate goals, provided that the development of hydrogen production technologies based on renewable sources and the corresponding infrastructure is ensured. The authors also highlight the potential of hybrid technologies as a transitional solution in the process of transforming the transport sector.

Suggested Citation

  • Dorota Burchart & Iga Przytuła, 2025. "Review of Environmental Life Cycle Assessment for Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles in Road Transport," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(5), pages 1-28, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:5:p:1229-:d:1604155
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ribau, João P. & Silva, Carla M. & Sousa, João M.C., 2014. "Efficiency, cost and life cycle CO2 optimization of fuel cell hybrid and plug-in hybrid urban buses," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 129(C), pages 320-335.
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    5. Olivier Bethoux, 2020. "Hydrogen Fuel Cell Road Vehicles: State of the Art and Perspectives," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(21), pages 1-28, November.
    6. Magdalena Gazda-Grzywacz & Przemysław Grzywacz & Piotr Burmistrz, 2024. "Environmental Benefits of Hydrogen-Powered Buses: A Case Study of Coke Oven Gas," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(20), pages 1-23, October.
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    Cited by:

    1. Patrizia Ghisellini & Renato Passaro & Sergio Ulgiati, 2025. "Is Green Hydrogen an Environmentally and Socially Sound Solution for Decarbonizing Energy Systems Within a Circular Economy Transition?," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(11), pages 1-55, May.
    2. Renzhi Lyu & Zhenpo Wang & Zhaosheng Zhang, 2025. "Life Cycle Assessment Based on Whole Industry Chain Assessment of FCEVs," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(12), pages 1-23, June.
    3. Fujian Liu & Qiao Zhu & Dawei Dong & Zhichao Zhao & Xiuping Zhu & Kunyi Feng & Haifeng Dai & Hao Yuan, 2025. "Energy Consumption Analysis of Fuel Cell Commercial Heavy-Duty Truck with Waste Heat Utilization Under Low-Temperature Environment," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(11), pages 1-19, May.

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