FCVs convert hydrogen fuel to electricity using a fuel cell to power the motor.

TECHNOLOGY
Fuel cells for vehicles operate when the hydrogen fuel flows through a negative electrode. The movement of the electrons generated electricity to power the motor and the oxygen flows out through the positive electron where it combines with hydrogen producing water, which is emitted from the vehicle.1 FCV components include a battery supplying extra torque and stores regenerative braking, hydrogen tanks to store and supply fuel, fuel cell stack to generate power, power module to distribute generated electricity throughout the motor, electric motor to turn the wheels, and radiator to dissipate heat.2

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Fuel cell vehicles only emissions are heat and water vapor, however producing hydrogen fuel is extremely energy intensive.

BENEFITS
Hydrogen can be produced domestically on-site and can be created using renewable energy technologies, presenting an opportunity to have almost no environmental impact. FCVs also have great acceleration, are fuel efficiency and almost silent.3

DISADVANTAGES
FCVs have a short driving range at an average of 100-150 miles to the tank. There is a lack of infrastructure for hydrogen fueling stations nationwide as well as a lack of general understanding of the technology inhibiting adoption.

VALLEY ACCESS POTENTIAL
Since the California Hydrogen Highway Network was initiated by executive order in April 2004, up to 25 hydrogen-fueling stations have become operational in the state. However, 3 stations in Northern California have been decommissioned due to the lack of fuel cell-powered vehicles on the road. There are currently 205 FCVs on the road in California today and projections estimate that that number will reach 100,000 nationwide by 2020 with 1000 fueling stations.

For more information on FCVs visit the U.S. Dept. of Energy at
www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/vehicles/fuel_cell.html

1 California Fuel Cell Partnership http://www.fuelcellpartnership.org/sites/files/20081015_Fuel%20Cell%20Booklet.pdf 2
2 Ibid., 3
3 Ibid., 7