Operation of the Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle in Moderate and Low-Temperature Ambient Conditions

The article contains the results of operational tests of the fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) presented in December 2020 and available currently in the market. The research was carried out in conditions typical of a moderate climate, as well as in conditions of low ambient temperature. For this purpose, a thermo-climatic chamber was used, in which the vehicle was cooled to a temperature of -20 °C. The aim of the research was to assess the operation of individual components of the drive system, as well as to assess energy consumption depending on the operating conditions and ambient temperature. The conducted research has shown that at the current stage of development, vehicles equipped with a fuel cell system drive are a mature structure, prepared for operation in various climatic conditions. However, under low temperature conditions the energy consumption increases much more significantly than for the internal combustion engine-powered vehicles. This is caused mainly by electric vehicle's interior heating system. Tackling this issue is going to be a challenge for the further development of the FCEV as it is for electric vehicles.