Fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) are ready for commercial scale-up
and essential to meeting energy security and environmental needs, according to a new report by McKinsey & Company.
The study, titled "A Portfolio of Power-trains: A Fact Based Analysis" states that significant penetration of both fuel cell and battery
electric vehicles (BEVs) will be needed to build a sustainable
transportation system by 2050–and that FCEVs and BEVs could be
cost-competitive with internal combustion engines (ICEs) as early as
2020.
The study also concludes that costs for a hydrogen infrastructure are comparable to installing a charging infrastructure for battery-electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.
The report states that a dedicated hydrogen infrastructure is "justified and doable," and McKinsey called the initial infrastructure investment "relatively low."
"Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles are ready for commercial scale-up. FCEVs are the best EV option for longer trips, and for medium size and larger vehicles, where they can be cost-competitive with ICEs," said Ruth Cox, president and executive director of the Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association. "Compared to BEVs, they have inherent advantages in price-performance and range; refueling time is measured in minutes rather than hours."
In terms of infrastructure, the study said higher risk investments by first-movers can be greatly reduced when several companies invest, coordinated by governments, and supported by dedicated funding and legislation.
"The data are fresh, the evidence is abundant and the conclusions are emphatic," said Cox. "It is time for a shift in U.S. Energy Policy to align the U.S. with the rest of the world in pursuing the full portfolio of electric vehicles. The portfolio approach is the fastest, cheapest and smartest way to achieve energy independence and respond to climate change."
There has been on-again off-again federal support over the years for FCEVs. However, under the Obama administration, the Department of Energy has reduced funding for fuel cell research while making a public and concerted for the adoption of BEVs.
"While the analysis focuses on Europe, the technology and cost assessment is applicable worldwide," Cox said. "The policy conclusions are relevant to the United States as the U.S. has even more medium and large vehicles than Europe, and we drive our cars longer distances. The study’s findings reinforce the conclusions of our members who are committed to the commercial rollout of these vital technologies."
The study sponsored by the Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association–is available at the link below (PDF).
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