Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine Vehicles: A Prudent Intermediate Step or a Step in the Wrong Direction?

Hydrogen internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles present much of the same promise as hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCVs): reduced reliance on imported oil and reduced carbon dioxide emissions. Proponents envision hydrogen ICE as a bridging technology from gasoline vehicles to hydrogen FCVs. This paper examines the hydrogen ICE technology, focusing on relevant aspects such as power, fuel economy, tank size, and the state of the technology. An economic analysis is then performed to examine the potential implications of widespread adoption of hydrogen ICE vehicles in the United States. The case for hydrogen ICE depends most on key uncertainties in the evolution of vehicle and production technology, the cost of crude oil, and the valuation of carbon dioxide emission reductions. This analysis indicates that promoting hydrogen ICE vehicles may be a sensible policy goal as a transition strategy to hydrogen FCVs, but a more prudent policy would first promote gasoline-electric hybrids.