Assessing the operation and different refuelling cost scenarios of a fuel cell electric bicycle under low-pressure hydrogen storage

Abstract

The transition to low- or zero-emission vehicles in the transportation sector is a challenging task toward meeting the greenhouse gas emission targets set by the majority of countries. One way of achieving this goal is to utilise hydrogen gas via fuel cell electric vehicles. This paper investigates the operation, driving range and refuelling process of a fuel cell electric bicycle. The methodology applied includes an estimation of the bike's range under different routes and riders, the riders' opinions and a financial evaluation of the hydrogen fuel cost compared to other urban vehicle alternatives. The results showed a minimum median range-to-energy consumption ratio of 20.5 km/kWh, while the maximum hydrogen cost was found to reach 0.025 €/km when refuelling the hydrogen bicycle in an autonomous hydrogen station. The outcome of this study indicates that the introduction of light-duty hydrogen vehicles in urban transportation may adequately meet the average daily driving distance of city residents.