Fuel Savings and Emissions Reductions from Light Duty Fuel Cell Vehicles

Fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) operate efficiently, emit few pollutants, and run on nonpetroleum fuels. Because of these characteristics, the large-scale deployment of FCVs has the potential to lessen U.S. dependence on foreign oil and improve air quality. This study characterizes the benefits of large-scale FCV deployment in the light duty vehicle market. Specifically, the study assesses thepotential fuel savings and emissions reductions resulting from large-scale use of these FCV s and identifies the key parameters that affect the scope of the benefits from FCV use. The analysis scenario assumes that FCV s will compete with gasoline-powered light trucks and cars in the new vehicle market for replacement of retired vehicles and will compete for growth in the total market. Analystsconcluded that the potential benefits from FCV s, measured in terms of consumer outlays for motor fuel and the value of reduced air emissions, are substantial.