Hydrogen is a promising energy carrier in future energy systems. However, storage of hydrogen is a substantial challenge, especially for applications in vehicles with fuel cells that use proton-exchange membranes (PEMs). Different methods for hydrogen storage are discussed, including high-pressure and cryogenic-liquid storage, adsorptive storage on high-surface-area adsorbents, chemical storage in metal hydrides and complex hydrides, and storage in boranes. For the latter chemical solutions, reversible options and hydrolytic release of hydrogen with off-board regeneration are both possible. Reforming of liquid hydrogen-containing compounds is also a possible means of hydrogen generation. The advantages and disadvantages of the different systems are compared.

To ensure future worldwide mobility, hydrogen storage in combination with fuel cells for on-board automotive applications is one of the most challenging issues. Potential solid-state solutions have to fulfil operating requirements defined by the fuel cell propulsion system. Important requirements are also defined by customer demands such as cost, overall fuel capacity, refuelling time and efficiency. It seems that currently none of the different storage solid state materials can reach the required storage densities for a hydrogen-powered vehicle. New strategies for storage systems are necessary to fulfil the requirements for a broad introduction of automotive fuel cell powertrains to the market. The combination of different storage systems may provide a possible solution to store sufficiently high amounts of hydrogen.

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The energy storage system is of decisive importance for all types of electric vehicles, in contrast to the case of vehicles powered by a conventional fossil fuel or bio-fuel based internal combustion engine. Two major alternatives exist and need to be discussed: on the one hand, there is the possibility of electrical energy storage using batteries, whilst on the other hand there is the storage of energy in chemical form as hydrogen and the application of a fuel cell as energy converter. The advantages and limitations, and also the impact of both options are described. To do so, existing GM concept vehicles and mass production vehicles are presented. Eventually, an outlook is given that addresses cost targets and infrastructure opportunities as well as requirements.

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