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Abstract

We review the production, distribution, storage, combustion, environmental impacts, safety, regulation, and lifecycle costs of hydrogen as a fuel for motor vehicles. We find that: (1) steam reformation of natural gas is the most economical means of producing hydrogen, but renewable sources may become cost competitive early in the next century; (2) given the difficulties in constructing a dedicated hydrogen infrastructure, small-scale, decentralized reformation along existing natural gas lines would be the preferable means of distribution for the near-term; (3) of the many ways to store hydrogen onboard a vehicle, no method (yet) is inexpensive, lightweight, and compact; (4) hydrogen engines produce an order of magnitude less hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, greenhouse gases, and toxic air pollutants than do controlled gasoline engines; (5) hydrogen's dangers are different from but not necessarily worst than those of gasoline; and (6) hydrogen combustion vehicles will be more expensive on a lifecycle basis than conventional vehicles, but hydrogen fuel cell vehicles could be cost competitive due to high efficiencies and long component lifetimes.

Year of Publication
1996
Journal
International Journal of Vehicle Design
Volume
17
Number of Pages
562-589
ISBN Number
0143-3369
Accession Number
WOS:A1996VY83200004
Alternate Journal
Int J Vehicle Des
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