Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicle Development in China: An Industry Chain Perspective

TLDR

Hydrogen fuel cell vehicle technology promises energy security and environmental benefits, yet China’s rapid industry growth over the past decade is still hindered by technological and cost challenges. The study analyzes China’s hydrogen FCV industry status from policy, market, and technology readiness perspectives and reviews its life‑cycle energy, environmental, and economic performance. The authors examine the industry chain, highlighting its unique characteristics and key issues across policy, market, and technology readiness. Life‑cycle analysis shows FCV energy and environmental impacts depend on hydrogen source, and technology advancements in hydrogen production, fuel cells, and manufacturing processes are equally essential.

Abstract

Hydrogen fuel cell vehicle (FCV) technology has significant implications on energy security and environmental protection. In the past decade, China has made great progress in the hydrogen and FCV industry considering both the government's policy issuances and enterprises’ production. However, there are still some technological and cost challenges obstructing the commercialization of FCVs. Herein, the status of China's hydrogen FCV industry is analyzed comprehensively from three perspectives: policy support, market application, and technology readiness level. The unique characteristics and key issues in each part of the industry chain are emphasized. Furthermore, the energy, environmental, and economic performances of FCV in the life‐cycle perspective are reviewed and summarized based on pre‐existing literature and reports. The life‐cycle analysis of hydrogen and FCV indicates that the energy and environmental impacts of FCVs are highly related to the sources of hydrogen. With the combination of industry status and technology performances, it is highlighted that technology advancements in hydrogen production and fuel cells and the optimization of the manufacturing processes for fuel cell systems are equally essential in the development of hydrogen FCVs.