A Study of Potential Attributes of Various Fuel Cell-Powered Surface Transportation Vehicles

A parametric study was made to compare the potential benefits and liabilities of powering various surface transportation systems with fuel cells. It was found that while the potential fuel savings are greatest for automobiles and light trucks, economics and packaging considerations favor initial applications in locomotives, long distance trucks, and buses. It was further shown that for the alternative fuels likely to be used, infrastructure requirements also favor the commercial vehicles over the personal vehicle. However, the potential benefits to energy conservation and atmospheric pollution reduction are so great that major efforts should continue to adapt fuel cells and alternative fuels to personal vehicles as well as commercial vehicles.