Research activities supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Fuel Cell Technologies Office (FCTO) are focused on developing technology targets for FCETs to facilitate the growth of hydrogen (H2) and fuel cell technology. Making the transition from fossil fuel-powered to fuel cell powered trucks will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve domestic energy security, and improve air quality. The MD/HD market spans multiple weight classes (i.e. class 3-8 or 10,000-80,000+ lbs.) and vocational uses (i.e. delivery van, tractor trailer, flatbed, etc.). Today, MD/HD trucks account for 28% of petroleum use in the U.S. transportation sector [EIA 2015].
A key activity within FCTO with industry input, is setting technology targets for future years (e.g., 2020 targets) based on what is required to be competitive with incumbent or other advanced technologies. These targets can then be used by stakeholders to help track performance and set technology benchmarks. Currently, FCTO tracks technology targets for hydrogen production, delivery, storage, and fuel cells for light-duty vehicles.
The purpose of this RFI is to solicit feedback from truck operators, truck and hydrogen tank manufacturers, fuel cell manufacturers, station equipment designers, and other related stakeholders on issues related to fuel cell electric truck targets. This RFI pertains to setting technology targets for fuel cell electric trucks (FCET). These targets will help drive early markets for medium and heavy duty (MD/HD) trucks which utilize hydrogen fuel cell technology.Fuel cell technology provides a means to create net zero emission vehicles (ZEV) for larger weight classes due to scalability and comparable performance to conventional powertrains.
This is solely a request for information and not a FOA; therefore, DOE is not accepting applications at this time. DOE will not respond to questions related to this RFI.
Responses to this RFI must be submitted electronically to FCTrucktargets@ee.doe.gov no later than 5:00pm (ET) on 7/11/2016. Responses must be provided as attachments to an email.