Title: Dynamics in Behavioral Response to a Fuel Cell Vehicle Fleet and Hydrogen Fueling Infrastructure: An Exploratory Study
Publication Information: Transportation Research Board (TRB), 2008
Report Number: UCD-ITS-RR-08-39
Author(s): Susan Shaheen, Elliot Martin, and Timothy Lipman
Document Date: 11/15/07
Number of Pages: 17
Price: $5
Abstract:
Transportation is a major contributor of carbon dioxide (CO2) and
other greenhouse gas emissions from human activity. It accounts for
approximately 14% of total anthropogenic emissions globally and about
27% in the United States. Growing concern regarding the impacts of
climate change and greenhouse gas emissions has led to innovations in
automotive and fuel technology. However, behavioral response to the
newest transportation technologies, such as hydrogen fuel cell vehicles
(FCVs) and fueling infrastructure, is not well understood. This paper
examines the results of an exploratory F-Cell hydrogen fuel vehicle
fleet study, which focused upon fleet drivers’ attitudes and
perceptions over a seven-month period in 2006. The study employed a
longitudinal survey design, with three phases and one focus group.
There are limitations to the exploratory dataset generated from this
study (e.g., small sample size, self-selection bias, and
generalizability). However, the results of this study provide insights
into participants’ response to the FCV and hydrogen infrastructure over
time and can help to inform further inquiry. Higher levels of hydrogen
exposure are correlated with increased comfort with hydrogen,
especially among those who were less experienced. Early adopters
generally felt safer driving the F-Cell than later adopters.
Respondents mostly felt safe refueling the F-Cell. As experience with
the F-Cell increased, participants felt increasingly safe with the
F-Cell. Driving range was considered a limitation. Furthermore, over
the course of the study, participant perception of vehicle range
increased due to learning.
Keywords:
Hydrogen, fuel cell, infrastructure, behavioral response