Review of Environmental Life Cycle Assessment for Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles in Road Transport

Dorota Burchart and Iga Przytuła ()
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Dorota Burchart: Faculty of Transport and Aviation Engineering, Silesian University of Technology, Krasińskiego 8, 40-019 Katowice, Poland
Iga Przytuła: Faculty of Transport and Aviation Engineering, Silesian University of Technology, Krasińskiego 8, 40-019 Katowice, Poland

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 5, 1-28

Abstract: This article summarizes current research on the life cycle assessment (LCA) of fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) in road transport. Increasing greenhouse gas emissions and climate change are pushing the transport sector to intensify efforts toward decarbonization. One promising solution is the adoption of hydrogen technologies, whose development is supported by European Union regulations, such as the “Fit for 55” package. FCEVs are characterized by zero emissions during operation, but their environmental impact largely depends on the methods of hydrogen production. The use of renewable energy sources in hydrogen production can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while hydrogen produced from fossil fuels can even result in higher emissions compared to internal combustion engine vehicles. This article also discusses the importance of hydrogen refueling infrastructure and the efficiency of fuel storage and transportation systems. In conclusion, LCA shows that FCEVs can support the achievement of climate goals, provided that the development of hydrogen production technologies based on renewable sources and the corresponding infrastructure is ensured. The authors also highlight the potential of hybrid technologies as a transitional solution in the process of transforming the transport sector.

Keywords: life cycle assessment (LCA); fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV); hydrogen production; greenhouse gas emissions; transport decarbonization (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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