Transitions to Alternative Transportation Technologies

Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (HFCVs) could alleviate the nation's dependence on oil and reduce U.S. emissions of carbon dioxide, the major greenhouse gas. Industry-and government-sponsored research programs have made very impressive technical progress over the past several years, and several companies are currently introducing pre-commercial vehicles and hydrogen fueling stations in limited markets. However, to achieve wide hydrogen vehicle penetration, further technological advances are required for commercial viability, and vehicle manufacturer and hydrogen supplier activities must be coordinated. In particular, costs must be reduced, new automotive manufacturing technologies commercialized, and adequate supplies of hydrogen produced and made available to motorists. These efforts will require considerable resources, especially federal and private sector funding.This book estimates the resources that will be needed to bring HFCVs to the point of competitive self-sustainability in the marketplace. It also estimates the impact on oil consumption and carbon dioxide emissions as HFCVs become a large fraction of the light-duty vehicle fleet. Table of ContentsFront MatterAbstractSummary1 Introduction2 Toward a Substantial and Durable Commitment: The Context of the Study3 Hydrogen Technology4 Alternative Technologies5 Role of the Stationary Electric Power Sector in a Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicle Scenario6 Hydrogen and Alternative Technologies for Reduction of U.S. Oil Use and CO2 Emissions7 A Budget Roadmap8 Actions to Promote Hydrogen Vehicles9 Advantages and Disadvantages of a Transition to Hydrogen Vehicles in Accordance with the Time Lines Established by the Budget RoadmapAppendix A Committee Biographical InformationAppendix B Presentations at Committee MeetingsAppendix C Modeling a Hydrogen TransitionAppendix D Acronyms and Abbreviations