Potential societal impacts of fuel cell electric vehicles

To bring about a successful energy and mobility transition, multifaceted technologies are developed. Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEV) cannot only replace fossil fuels and accelerate the electrification of the mobility sector, they also have the advantage of fast refuelling, compared to battery electric vehicles. Next to technical advantages, environmental, economic and social aspects must be considered. Especially the social implications for various stakeholders are often neglected, but no less important. It can affect them to a various extend and in regard to manifold risks and opportunities.Environmental aspects along the whole life cycle of a product, e.g. resource extraction, production, use and end-of-life, can be estimated with the method of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). Analogously the concept of Social Life Cycle Assessment (S-LCA) addresses social aspects. The goal of this study is to identify possible societal risks and opportunities associated with a production of FCEVs in Germany. In a cradle-to-gate scope, local manufacturing is considered, comprising battery, electric motor, hydrogen tank, glider, and proton exchange membrane fuel cell. By conducting an S-LCA, valuable knowledge about societal hotspots can serve as a basis for further actions