You may have heard of a type of electric vehicle called a Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) that runs on hydrogen. Gaining popularity in the U.S., these vehicles may soon be available for purchase in Maryland. If you’re curious about the technology and your options, we’re here to help.
Let’s start with the basics. FCEVs use fuel cells to convert hydrogen into electricity to power electric motors. Unlike other types of electric vehicles (EVs), you don’t charge these vehicles by plugging into a power outlet or charger—you fill the tank with hydrogen at fueling stations.
Why consider an FCEV?
There are many reasons to consider owning an FCEV, including tax incentives, reduced maintenance and environmental benefits.
Efficiency
Efficiency and Fuel Costs
FCEVs are two to three times more efficient than traditional gasoline vehicles. Many models of FCEVs have a driving range of up to 380 miles.
While FCEVs are very efficient, the fuel costs are higher than gasoline prices. Visit FuelEconomy.gov’s Compare Fuel Cell Vehicles or the U.S. Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC) for more information on fuel costs and efficiency.
Maintenance
Like EVs, FCEVs typically require less maintenance than conventional vehicles because:
- There are fewer fluids to change – no more oil changes!
- Brake wear is significantly reduced and lasts longer
- There are far fewer moving parts, relative to a conventional gasoline engine
For more details about FCEV components, see AFDC’s How Do FCEVs Work Using Hydrogen.
Incentives
When purchasing a FCEV, there are many state and federal tax incentives that essentially reduce the price tag. In addition, the state of Maryland offers vehicle vouchers, equipment rebates, and deployment support.
Fueling
Similar to conventional gasoline vehicles, you can fill the tank of a FCEV in less than five minutes at hydrogen fueling stations. However, the lack of availability of these stations remains a key challenge to the commercialization of FCEVs. FCEV manufacturers and fuel providers are working together to increase fueling locations.
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Environment
Like all electric vehicles, FCEVs are overall more environmentally friendly than traditional vehicles. A FCEV engine emits only water vapor and warm air. When you drive a FCEV, you reduce the amount of emissions—and noise pollution—you add to the environment.
Hydrogen can be produced from diverse U.S. resources with the potential for low or zero greenhouse gas emissions. For more information from the U.S. Department of Energy, visit AFDC’s Hydrogen Benefits and Considerations.
Maryland’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions goals outlined in the Climate Solutions Now Act (CSNA) aim to achieve 60% GHG emissions reductions by 2031 and net-zero by 2045. Because transportation is the single largest GHG emissions generator in Maryland, representing over one-third of total GHG emissions, EVs play an integral role in helping Maryland meet the CSNA emissions reduction goal.
Types of FCEVs
Light-duty FCEVs have been commercially available since 2012. FCEVs are available in select markets around the country, where there is access to hydrogen fueling stations. Governments, manufacturers, fuel providers, and industry associations are working to expand the hydrogen fueling network and increase the production of FCEVs.
In Maryland, there are no open hydrogen fueling stations or available FCEV models at this time. You can use the AFDC Alternative Fuel and Advanced Vehicle Search to find available FCEV models and locate a dealer.
View the AFDC’s interactive chart of alternative fuel vehicle models.
