Well-to-wheel analysis and a feasibility study of fuel cell vehicles in the passenger transportation sector

Abstract

Fuel cell vehicles are expected to be a key actor for coming hydrogen society in Japan. However, because of different source of fuel hydrogen, there remains uncertainty of the real value of FCVs. A question arises of what is benefit of introducing FCVs compared with other passenger vehicles such as HEVs and EVs. This study investigates the characteristics of FCVs in Well-to-wheels using inventory analysis and forecast penetration of FCVs into the passenger transportation sector applying an energy-economic model. Analytical results indicate that (1) FCVs have an important benefit of reducing carbon emissions provided carbon free hydrogen fuel by green electricity derived electrolysis. (2) Under the carbon reduction target of -80% in the year 2050, the share of FCVs in the passenger vehicle transportation sector reaches 14%, which is higher than 1% without carbon constraint. (3) In the total cost of ownership, price of FCVs is the dominant expenditure, which suggest the secure of FCV's cost reduction. The result of the study shows that the penetration of FCVs into the passenger transportation market requires competitive price of the vehicle as well as higher carbon reduction target.