Study of the Performance, Consumption and Range of a Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle Powered by Green Hydrogen

2025-36-0007

To be published on 12/18/2025

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Abstract
Content
Ethanol is a hydrogen-rich liquid and has a specific energy of 8.0 kWh/kg. In a vehicle, hydrogen storage is done in high-pressure cylinders. The same fundamental technology is used at other fuel cell systems in vehicles such as Toyota Mirai and Honda Clarity. Hydrogen is also introduced into the cell to generate electricity, which will power an electric motor that drives the vehicle. Excess electricity is stored in batteries. The main characteristic of the system described here is that hydrogen can be generated through an additional process in a reformer, installed at a fixed station. The reformer transforms the ethanol stored in the fuel station tank into hydrogen, which can then fuel a vehicle equipped with high-pressure cylinders and fed into the fuel cell. The system, however, emits water vapor, heat, and CO2. This is because carbon dioxide is a byproduct resulting from the transformation of ethanol into hydrogen. According to studies, despite this the system is carbon neutral, considering the total cycle. That is, the CO2 released into the atmosphere is retained by the plantations that are cultivated to produce ethanol. Thus, the carbon is contained in a closed cycle. In addition to ethanol, the reformer can also operate with other fuels such as natural gas, biogas, etc. In view of these facts, we have the following considerations: the use of an electric traction system with a fuel cell powered by reformed hydrogen gas from ethanol can allow greater autonomy for electric vehicles, reducing the dependence on electric charging stations; it can also make a significant contribution to reducing pollutant emissions. Looking at the world situation in the medium term, it may turn out to be an alternative system to the use of internal combustion engines and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
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Citation
Fontana, Romeu, "Study of the Performance, Consumption and Range of a Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle Powered by Green Hydrogen," SAE Technical Paper 2025-36-0007, 2025-, .
Additional Details
Publisher
Published
To be published on Dec 18, 2025
Product Code
2025-36-0007
Content Type
Technical Paper
Language
English