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Revolutionizing the Automotive Landscape: Fuel Cell Applications Powering the Future
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Revolutionizing the Automotive Landscape: Fuel Cell Applications Powering the Future

A special issue of World Electric Vehicle Journal (ISSN 2032-6653).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 August 2025 | Viewed by 15282

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Yang Luo

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Department of Materials, ETH Zürich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
2. Automotive Platforms and Application Systems R&D Centre, Hong Kong Productivity Council, Hong Kong 999077, China
Interests: energy and environmental materials; fuel cells; electrocatalysts; electric vehicles
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Tiande Mo

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor Assistant
Automotive Platforms and Application Systems R&D Centre, Hong Kong Productivity Council, Hong Kong 999077, China
Interests: green transportation; smart mobility; electric vehicles; vehicle engineering
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Yu Li

E-Mail
Guest Editor Assistant
Automotive Platforms and Application Systems R&D Centre, Hong Kong Productivity Council, Hong Kong 999077, China
Interests: green transportation; smart mobility; electric vehicles; autonomous driving

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The demand for green technology has significantly increased in the current century. Particularly, rapid urbanization has resulted in escalated transportation requirements, leading to heavy traffic congestion, extensive consumption of fossil fuels, and the subsequent environmental challenges. Consequently, the control and mitigation of vehicle emissions is imperative, and can be achieved by adopting cleaner technologies. Electric vehicles (EVs) have emerged as a viable solution due to their ability to reduce carbon emissions and other pollutants, thus positively impacting the environment. Hybrid vehicles (HVs) have also been developed to curtail the utilization of internal combustion engines (ICEs) by integrating them with electric motors. Furthermore, the advent of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) has partially addressed the issue of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, as they operate solely on electricity generated by batteries. However, it is noteworthy that BEVs do not provide a radical reduction in GHG emissions, as the majority of electricity is derived from thermal power plants. Additionally, BEVs have their own limitations, such as limited driving range, lengthy battery charging time, and concerns regarding battery safety. Despite the persistent challenge in developing near-zero-emission vehicles, EVs powered by renewable energy sources remain a desirable choice due to their capacity to emit only natural byproducts, such as water, instead of GHGs. Consequently, this contributes to the enhancement of air quality and human health.

Recently, fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) have garnered substantial attention within the automotive industry, generating strong commercial interest. FCEVs utilize electric motors powered by fuel cells, where the primary energy mover is the combination of hydrogen and oxygen from the air. Fuel cells possess higher energy densities compared to other energy devices, making them suitable for long-range vehicular applications. Consequently, these advantages have stimulated research and development efforts focused on FCEVs. Plug-in FC hybrid electric vehicles (FCHEVs) and FC extended electric vehicles have also gained significant attention. The utilization of fuel cells as power sources for electric vehicles offers various benefits, including clean fuel, high efficiency, absence of harmful emissions, and reduced noise levels.

The objective of this Special Issue is to concentrate on all aspects related to the application of fuel cells in the automotive industry, with a particular emphasis on innovative fuel cell devices, advancements in fuel cell applications, simulation and modeling of fuel cells, hybridization of fuel cells with one or more auxiliary power sources, as well as energy management and power distribution.

Possible topics to be explored in this Special Issue include, but are not limited to:

  • Key technologies and advanced materials associated with fuel cells.
  • Novel fuel cells, membrane electrodes, and catalysts.
  • Hydrogen fuel cell powertrains.
  • Simulations and modeling techniques for fuel cells.
  • Application and testing of fuel cells in electric vehicles.
  • Hybridization of fuel cells with other power sources.
  • Life cycle analysis of fuel cells.
  • Commercialization and market trends of fuel cell electric vehicles.
  • Endurance and acceleration capabilities of fuel cells.
  • Hydrogen production, storage, transportation, and refueling.
  • Emerging trends and new technologies in the field of electric vehicles.
  • Perspectives and reviews on the subject of fuel cell vehicles.

Dr. Yang Luo
Guest Editor

Dr. Tiande Mo
Dr. Yu Li
Guest Editor Assistants

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. World Electric Vehicle Journal is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • fuel cell
  • automobile industry
  • electric vehicle
  • green transportation
  • hydrogen and new energy
  • power source
  • energy management and power distribution

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review

5 pages, 647 KiB  
Editorial
Advantages and Technological Progress of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles
by Tiande Mo, Yu Li and Yang Luo
World Electr. Veh. J. 2023, 14(6), 162; https://doi.org/10.3390/wevj14060162 - 19 Jun 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4960
Abstract
The automotive industry is undergoing a profound transformation driven by the need for sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation solutions [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Revolutionizing the Automotive Landscape: Fuel Cell Applications Powering the Future)
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Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

15 pages, 4310 KiB  
Article
Study of Resistance Extraction Methods for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells Based on Static Resistance Correction
by Yuzheng Mao, Yongping Hou, Rongxin Gu, Dong Hao and Qirui Yang
World Electr. Veh. J. 2024, 15(5), 179; https://doi.org/10.3390/wevj15050179 - 24 Apr 2024
Viewed by 1057
Abstract
Accurate extraction of polarization resistance is crucial in the application of proton exchange membrane fuel cells. It is generally assumed that the steady-state resistance obtained from the polarization curve model is equivalent to the AC impedance obtained from the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) [...] Read more.
Accurate extraction of polarization resistance is crucial in the application of proton exchange membrane fuel cells. It is generally assumed that the steady-state resistance obtained from the polarization curve model is equivalent to the AC impedance obtained from the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) when the frequency approaches zero. However, due to the low-frequency stability and nonlinearity issues of the EIS method, this dynamic process leads to an additional rise in polarization resistance compared to the steady-state method. In this paper, a semi-empirical model and equivalent circuit models are developed to extract the steady-state and dynamic polarization resistances, respectively, while a static internal resistance correction method is proposed to represent the systematic error between the two. With the correction, the root mean square error of the steady-state resistance relative to the dynamic polarization resistance decreases from 26.12% to 7.42%, indicating that the weighted sum of the static internal resistance and the steady-state resistance can better correspond to the dynamic polarization resistance. The correction method can also simplify the EIS procedure by directly generating an estimate of the dynamic polarization resistance in the full current interval. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Revolutionizing the Automotive Landscape: Fuel Cell Applications Powering the Future)
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17 pages, 1933 KiB  
Article
Influence of Wide-Bandgap Semiconductors in Interleaved Converters Sizing for a Fuel-Cell Power Architecture
by Victor Mercier, Toufik Azib, Adriano Ceschia and Cherif Larouci
World Electr. Veh. J. 2024, 15(4), 148; https://doi.org/10.3390/wevj15040148 - 3 Apr 2024
Viewed by 1231
Abstract
This study presents a decision-support methodology to design and optimize modular Boost converters in the context of fuel-cell electric vehicles. It involves the utilization of interleaved techniques to reduce fuel-cell current ripple, enhance system efficiency, tackle issues related to weight and size concerns, [...] Read more.
This study presents a decision-support methodology to design and optimize modular Boost converters in the context of fuel-cell electric vehicles. It involves the utilization of interleaved techniques to reduce fuel-cell current ripple, enhance system efficiency, tackle issues related to weight and size concerns, and offer better flexibility and modularity within the converter. The methodology incorporates emerging technologies by wide-bandgap semiconductors, providing better efficiency and higher temperature tolerance. It employs a multiphysical approach, considering electrical, thermal, and efficiency constraints to achieve an optimal power architecture for FCHEVs. Results demonstrate the advantages of wide-bandgap semiconductor utilization in terms of volume reduction and efficiency enhancements for different power levels. Results from one of the considered power levels highlight the feasibility of certain architectures through the utilization of WBG devices. These architectures reveal improvements in both efficiency and volume reduction as a result of incorporating WBG devices. Additionally, the analysis presents a comparison of manufacturing cost between standard and wide-bandgap semiconductors to demonstrate the market penetration potential. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Revolutionizing the Automotive Landscape: Fuel Cell Applications Powering the Future)
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23 pages, 7872 KiB  
Article
Research on Energy Management Strategy of Fuel Cell Tractor Hybrid Power System
by Sixia Zhao, Zhi Gao, Xianzhe Li, Yanying Li and Liyou Xu
World Electr. Veh. J. 2024, 15(2), 61; https://doi.org/10.3390/wevj15020061 - 9 Feb 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1948
Abstract
In recent years, more and more attention has been paid to fuel cell-based hybrid tractors. In order to optimize the global power distribution of tractors and further improve the fuel economy and fuel cell durability of the system, this paper designs an energy [...] Read more.
In recent years, more and more attention has been paid to fuel cell-based hybrid tractors. In order to optimize the global power distribution of tractors and further improve the fuel economy and fuel cell durability of the system, this paper designs an energy management strategy to maximize external energy efficiency based on fuel cell/lithium battery/supercapacitor hybrid tractors. This strategy aims to reduce the real-time hydrogen consumption of the system while maximizing the external energy output so as to reduce the impact of load randomness on the output power of the fuel cell. Under the typical ploughing conditions of the tractor, the simulation is compared with the state machine strategy and the equivalent hydrogen consumption minimization strategy. The results show that the proposed strategy meets the power requirements of a given ploughing condition, and compared with the two traditional strategy systems, the performance characteristics of auxiliary energy are more fully exerted. It reduces the burden on fuel cells and improves the durability of fuel cells. The hydrogen consumption of the system was reduced by 11.03 g and 16.54 g, respectively, improving the overall economy of the hybrid system. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Revolutionizing the Automotive Landscape: Fuel Cell Applications Powering the Future)
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25 pages, 2403 KiB  
Article
Preliminary Design of the Fuel Cells Based Energy Systems for a Cruise Ship
by Giuseppe De Lorenzo, Rosario Marzio Ruffo and Petronilla Fragiacomo
World Electr. Veh. J. 2023, 14(9), 263; https://doi.org/10.3390/wevj14090263 - 18 Sep 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1971
Abstract
Over the years, attention to climate change has meant that international agreements have been drawn up and increasingly stringent regulations aimed at reducing the environmental impact of the marine sector have been issued. A possible alternative technology to the conventional and polluting diesel [...] Read more.
Over the years, attention to climate change has meant that international agreements have been drawn up and increasingly stringent regulations aimed at reducing the environmental impact of the marine sector have been issued. A possible alternative technology to the conventional and polluting diesel internal combustion engines is represented by the Fuel Cells. In the present article, the preliminary design of two energy systems based on Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) fed by bio-methane was carried out for a particular cruise ship. The SOFC systems were sized to separately supply the electric energies required for the ship propulsion and to power the other ship electrical utilities. The SOFC systems operate in nominal conditions at constant load and other electrical storage systems (batteries) cover the fluctuations in the electrical energy demand. Furthermore, the heat produced by the SOFCs is exploited for co-/tri-generation purposes, to satisfy the ship thermal energy needs. The preliminary design of the new energy systems was made using electronic spreadsheets. The new energy system has obtained the primary energy consumption and CO2 emissions reductions of 12.74% and 40.23% compared to the conventional energy system. Furthermore, if bio-methane is used, a reduction of 95.50% could be obtained in net CO2 emissions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Revolutionizing the Automotive Landscape: Fuel Cell Applications Powering the Future)
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Review

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50 pages, 8165 KiB  
Review
Empowering Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles Towards Sustainable Transportation: An Analytical Assessment, Emerging Energy Management, Key Issues, and Future Research Opportunities
by Tuhibur Rahman, Md. Sazal Miah, Tahia F. Karim, Molla Shahadat Hossain Lipu, Abu M. Fuad, Zia Ul Islam, M. M. Naushad Ali, Mohammed Nazmus Shakib, Shafrida Sahrani and Mahidur R. Sarker
World Electr. Veh. J. 2024, 15(11), 484; https://doi.org/10.3390/wevj15110484 - 26 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1455
Abstract
Fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) have received significant attention in recent times due to various advantageous features, such as high energy efficiency, zero emissions, and extended driving range. However, FCEVs have some drawbacks, including high production costs; limited hydrogen refueling infrastructure; and the [...] Read more.
Fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) have received significant attention in recent times due to various advantageous features, such as high energy efficiency, zero emissions, and extended driving range. However, FCEVs have some drawbacks, including high production costs; limited hydrogen refueling infrastructure; and the complexity of converters, controllers, and method execution. To address these challenges, smart energy management involving appropriate converters, controllers, intelligent algorithms, and optimizations is essential for enhancing the effectiveness of FCEVs towards sustainable transportation. Therefore, this paper presents emerging energy management strategies for FCEVs to improve energy efficiency, system reliability, and overall performance. In this context, a comprehensive analytical assessment is conducted to examine several factors, including research trends, types of publications, citation analysis, keyword occurrences, collaborations, influential authors, and the countries conducting research in this area. Moreover, emerging energy management schemes are investigated, with a focus on intelligent algorithms, optimization techniques, and control strategies, highlighting contributions, key findings, issues, and research gaps. Furthermore, the state-of-the-art research domains of FCEVs are thoroughly discussed in order to explore various research domains, relevant outcomes, and existing challenges. Additionally, this paper addresses open issues and challenges and offers valuable future research opportunities for advancing FCEVs, emphasizing the importance of suitable algorithms, controllers, and optimization techniques to enhance their performance. The outcomes and key findings of this review will be helpful for researchers and automotive engineers in developing advanced methods, control schemes, and optimization strategies for FCEVs towards greener transportation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Revolutionizing the Automotive Landscape: Fuel Cell Applications Powering the Future)
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17 pages, 4231 KiB  
Review
A Review of Sealing Systems for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells
by Yi Wei, Yanfeng Xing, Xiaobing Zhang, Ying Wang, Juyong Cao and Fuyong Yang
World Electr. Veh. J. 2024, 15(8), 358; https://doi.org/10.3390/wevj15080358 - 9 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1669
Abstract
The sealing technology of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) is a critical factor in ensuring their performance, impacting driving safety and range efficiency. To guarantee the safe operation of PEMFCs in complex environments, it is essential to conduct related sealing research. The [...] Read more.
The sealing technology of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) is a critical factor in ensuring their performance, impacting driving safety and range efficiency. To guarantee the safe operation of PEMFCs in complex environments, it is essential to conduct related sealing research. The structure of the fuel cell sealing system is complex, with components in close contact, and identifying factors that affect its sealing performance is crucial for the development and application of the cells. This paper briefly describes the sealing mechanism of PEMFCs and introduces four typical sealing structures. It considers both the assembly and operation processes, summarizing assembly errors, sealing gaskets, and sealing leaks as well as vibration, cyclic temperature and humidity, and cyclic assembly. The research status of the sealing system in simulations and experiments is reviewed in detail. The key factors affecting the sealing performance of fuel cells are emphasized, highlighting the significance of dynamic detection of the gasket status, stack performance improvement under cumulative errors, and multi-objective optimization models combining contact pressure with the characteristics of stack components. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Revolutionizing the Automotive Landscape: Fuel Cell Applications Powering the Future)
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