Efficiency comparison between FC and ice in real urban driving cycles

A deep experimental campaign on road carried out in an urban route had been allowed to acquire a huge database concerning the real operating conditions of several vehicle typologies, both conventional and innovative (hybrids). In this paper, using a different approach seen as the current one utilised in the type approval procedure, these experimental data will be the starting working base to accomplish a whole energy comparison between a PEMFC vehicle and a EURO 4 vehicle. The in-house model built in the University of Rome lab will be adapted and applied to an automotive load simulation based on measured driving acquisitions. A complete picture on the energy consumption and pollutant emission of the two vehicle typologies in their real use is provided. This encompasses also an examination of the fuel production, in order to extend the analysis to all the energy chain and perform a well-to-wheel study.