Review on development and demonstration of hydrogen fuel cell scooters

The current development of fuel cell scooters has been reviewed in this paper. Fuel cell scooters, by nature, have zero emissions, and they have the potential to replace current petroleum-propelled engine scooters. First, the fundamentals of fuel cells, including the critical technologies pertaining to fuel cell engines and hydrogen storage, were introduced. Then, the technical feasibility of fuel cell scooters was discussed in parallel with the hydrogen infrastructure model. The accomplishments of fuel cell scooters in Taiwan were presented. Moreover, the contribution of replacing petrol scooters by hydrogen fuel cell scooters to reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emission and energy conservation was evaluated. Furthermore, industrial competition with regard to the development of fuel cell scooters was discussed on the basis of a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis. In conclusion, with mature fuel cell technology together with solid foundation of the scooter industry, Taiwan offers conditions that were conducive for the development of fuel cell scooters. Its social and technical capability will be proved on account of the leading demonstrations of fuel cell scooters in the world. If it can develop a successful business model, Taiwan could enjoy the advantages of tapping the huge global market for zero-emission scooters.