Alternate Fuel Vehicles

Optimization of fuel cell/battery hybrid vehicle systems has primarily focused on reducing fuel consumption. However, it is also necessary to focus on fuel cell and battery durability as inadequate lifespan is still a major barrier to the commercialization of fuel cell vehicles. Here, we introduce a power management strategy which concurrently accounts for fuel consumption as well as fuel cell and battery degradation. Fuel cell degradation is quantified using a simplified electrochemical model which provides an analytical solution for the decay of the electrochemical surface area (ECSA) in...

Access to transit stations is a significant barrier to transit use in many urban regions. Parking during peak hours is often limited, and many individuals are only willing to walk about a quarter mile to transit stations (Cervero, 2001). While there are some effective feeder services (e.g., shuttles) that help extend the range of transit access, these systems are limited because of fixed routes and schedules. A number of strategies have recently been implemented to improve transit access and transit use, including bicycles, electric bicycles, carsharing, and personal neighborhood electric...

Transportation is a major contributor of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gas emissions from human activity. It accounts for approximately 14% of total anthropogenic emissions globally and about 27% in the United States. Growing concern regarding the impacts of climate change and greenhouse gas emissions has led to innovations in automotive and fueltechnology. However, behavioral response to the newest transportation technologies, such as hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) and fueling infrastructure, is not well understood. This paper examines the results of an exploratory F-Cell...

Over the last several decades, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) have emerged as a zero tailpipe-emission alternative to the battery electric vehicle (EV). To address questions about consumer reaction to FCVs, this report presents the results of a “ride-and-drive” clinic series (n=182) held in 2007 with a Mercedes-Benz A-Class “F-Cell” hydrogen FCV. The clinic evaluated participant reactions to driving and riding in an FCV, as well as vehicle refueling. Pre-and post clinic surveys assessed consumer response. More than 80% left with a positive overall impression of hydrogen. The majority...