Passenger Vehicle Sector Research Articles

Projecting full build-out environmental impacts and roll-out strategies associated with viable hydrogen fueling infrastructure strategies

A transition from gasoline internal combustion engine vehicles to hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) is likely to emerge as a major component of the strategy to meet future greenhouse gas reduction, air quality, fuel independence, and energy security goals. Advanced infrastructure planning can minimize the cost of hydrogen infrastructure while assuring that energy and environment benefits are achieved. This study presents a comprehensive advanced planning methodology for the deployment of hydrogen infrastructure, and applies the methodology to delineate fully built-out infrastructure strategies, assess the associated energy and environment impacts, facilitate the identification of an optimal infrastructure roll-out strategy, and identify the potential for renewable hydrogen feedstocks. The South Coast Air Basin of California, targeted by automobile manufacturers for the first regional commercial deployment of FCEVs, is the focus for the study. The following insights result from the application of the methodology:•Compared to current gasoline stations, only 11%–14% of the number of hydrogen fueling stations can provide comparable accessibility to drivers in a targeted region.•To meet reasonable capacity demand for hydrogen fueling, approximately 30% the number of hydrogen stations are required compared to current gasoline stations.•Replacing gasoline vehicles with hydrogen FCEVs has the potential to (1) reduce the emission of greenhouse gases by more than 80%, reduce energy requirements by 42%, and virtually eliminate petroleum consumption from the passenger vehicle sector, and (2) significantly reduce urban concentrations of ozone and PM2.5.•Existing sources of biomethane in the California South Coast Air Basin can provide up to 30% of the hydrogen fueling demand for a fully built-out hydrogen FCEV scenario.•A step-wise transition of judiciously located existing gasoline stations to dispense and accommodate the increasing demand for hydrogen addresses proactively key infrastructure deployment challenges including a viable business model, zoning, permitting, and public acceptance.

Applying Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading to the Light-Duty Vehicle Sector

The threat of global climate change induced by human production of greenhouse gases is becoming more intensely debated every year. With international agreement on the Kyoto Protocol in December 1997, nations are beginning to assess their options to meet the commitments that they have made. In terms of greenhouse gas emissions control, the passenger vehicle sector presents a significant challenge. Every liter of gasoline burned produces approximately 2.3 kg of carbon dioxide, the most common greenhouse gas. Although all known methods of greenhouse gas emissions control come with some associated costs, a properly designed emissions trading system is a promising policy tool to deal with this increasingly significant environmental problem in a costeffective manner. The issues involved with measurement of the greenhouse gases produced by passenger vehicles and their incorporation into an intersectoral emissions trading system were investigated. It is suggested that direct emissions measurement may not be necessary for these vehicles to participate in such a program, and an alternate emissions estimation methodology is described. Finally, an emissions trading implementation plan is discussed. By that plan vehicle manufacturers are given credit or responsibility for the greenhouse gas emissions of the vehicles that they sell, with the emissions annualized over the projected lifetime of the vehicles.