Battery and Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles

This page last reviewed January 25, 2010

Background

There are two types of electric vehicles, battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell.  Both types are considered zero emission vehicles (ZEV) under ARB’s ZEV regulation. Battery and fuel cell electric vehicles have several benefits, such as:

• zero or near-zero smog-forming emissions,
• reduced water pollution from oil leaks,
• lower greenhouse gas emissions (CO2),
• higher fuel economy,
• greater engine efficiency,
• much quieter and smoother operation.

More information about each type of technology is provided below along with charging and fueling information and links for additional information.  Also, visit DriveClean.ca.gov to find out more about these and other clean technology vehicles that are available today.

Battery Electric Vehicles

Battery electric vehicles (EVs) run on electricity stored in batteries and have an electric motor rather than a gasoline engine. Over the years, manufacturers have developed a wide range of EV types that include: Neighborhood electric vehicles (NEVs) that can be used for short trips around town. City EVs with 50-75 miles range also for around town use. Full function EVs which can go up to 80 miles an hour and have a longer range.

Charging

• Clean Car Maps
• EV Charger News
• Department of Energy's Alternative Fuel Data Center
  
  

Additional Information

• ARB’s ZEV program
• DriveClean.ca.gov battery electric vehicle information
• Learn what's new with the CaH2Net

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles

Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are zero emission and run on compressed hydrogen fed into a fuel cell "stack" that produces electricity to power the vehicle. A fuel cell can be used in combination with an electric motor to drive a vehicle – quietly, powerfully and cleanly.   Fueling Stations California Fuel Cell Partnership hydrogen station map Clean car maps

Additional Information

• California Fuel Cell Partnership - Mobile Sources
• California Stationary Fuel Cell Collaborative - Stationary Sources
• California Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Guide
• Fuel Cell Report: Status and Prospects of Fuel Cells as Automobile Engines - A report of the 1998 Fuel Cell Technical Advisory Panel
• DriveClean.ca.gov information on hydrogen fuel cells and hydrogen internal combustion vehicles.
• Hydrogen Production
• Hydrogen Quality Regulation - California Department of Food and Agriculture's Division of Measurement Standards

For More Information

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