A 2001 study conducted for the
California Air Resources Board found
that when electricity for BEVs is
generated using a mix of fossil fuel and
non-fossil fuel and hydrogen is created
from natural gas, a BEV pathway is
about 8% more efficient than a FCV
pathway. The study also concluded that
the BEV pathway would generate lower
greenhouse gas emissions. Although the
efficiency comparison of the two vehicles
is much closer than for the non-fossil fuel
case, if the substantial cost of building
and maintaining the hydrogen
infrastructure necessary to support the
FCV is considered, then the BEV would
clearly be more attractive than the FCV.
Further, if renewable energy sources will
eventually replace fossil fuels, then the
hydrogen pipeline would at best be
inefficient, and at worst be obsolete