Comparing fuel cells and other power trains for different vehicle applications

Paper in proceeding, 2017

This paper compares the total cost of ownership (TCO) for fuel cell, battery electric, range extender and biofuel combustion engine power trains. The TCO difference shows that the power trains are suitable for very different vehicle niches. Battery electric vehicles can reach the lowest cost per kilometer, but only if the battery is utilized very much. Fuel cell range extender vehicles are cost effective for vehicles requiring long driving range but typically driving shorter distances. Internal combustion engine power trains will have the lowest TCO for vehicles with short driving distance during their life, even if the biofuel is rather expensive.