Authors
Ahluwalia, R.; Wang, X.; Star, A.; Papadias, D. D.
Abstract
Hydrogen fuel cell-powered off-road vehicles can replace hydrocarbon-powered off-road vehiclesto reduce carbon dioxide and criteria pollutant emissions in the agriculture, construction, and miningindustries. Vehicle manufacturers and customers recognize health and environmental benefits ofemissions reductions but are ultimately compelled by the total cost of ownership of their vehicles. Thisstudy conducts a technoeconomic evaluation for three hallmark off-road vehicles, tractors, wheelloaders, and excavators, comparing vehicles with hydrogen fuel cell + battery hybrid powertrains totraditional diesel powertrains. Stakeholder-valued performance metrics include fuel cell engine power,engine durability, hydrogen consumption rate, hydrogen storage system volume, and energyregenerative drivetrain efficiency. The total cost of ownership includes capital, operating andmaintenance, fuel, and fuel storage costs. State-of-the-art fuel cell powered wheel loaders andexcavators are currently cost competitive with diesel platforms. If targeted improvements to cost,performance, and durability improvements of fuel cell stacks and storage systems are achieved, fuel cellsystems would be cost competitive for tractors and significantly lower total cost of ownership optionsfor wheel loaders and excavators.