In this paper, a number of issues of concern in relation to hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) are discussed and comparatively reviewed. Currently, almost all the activities in the development of new generation of vehicles are focused on FCVs and HEVs. However, there are still uncertainties as to which provides the maximum benefits in terms of performance, energy savings, impact on environment etc.
In particular, potential control strategies for FCVs and HEVs will be discussed and compared. For FCVs, these include power-averaging control as well as control based on maximum conversion efficiency, among others. HEV control strategies include electrically peaking hybrid propulsion, and parameter optimization approaches such as battery SOC maximization, emissions minimization, and optimal power management. In both FCVs and HEVs, best control strategies need to rely on predicting the driver command, which presents a particularly challenging opportunity for further development.
Typical power trains for both FCVs and HEVs are presented in this paper. This paper also gives the comparison of total costs for FCVs and HEVs. In addition, the problem of infrastructure for hydrogen supply in the case of FCVs will be discussed. This paper also presents the list of prototype HEVs and FCVs being developed by auto manufacturers today. Finally the manufacturing and commercialization issues for both FCVs and HEVs are mentioned in this paper.