BOARD MEETING DATE: September 5, 2008
AGENDA NO. 4

PROPOSAL:

Execute Contract to Cosponsor Evaluation of Impacts and Benefits of Plug-In Fuel Cell Hybrid Electric Vehicles

SYNOPSIS:

In 2000, the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) assembled a working group to compare the impacts and benefits of various hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) options. The resulting public study, co-funded by AQMD, evaluated HEV architecture, performance, modeling, costs and commercialization issues. Building on analyses and stakeholder engagement from this earlier study, EPRI is proposing to assemble a working group and develop a scope of work to evaluate the potential for a variety of plug-in fuel cell hybrid electric vehicle options. This action is to execute a contract with EPRI not to exceed $50,000 to share the initial task cost of $100,000.

COMMITTEE:

Technology, July 25, 2008, Recommended for Approval

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Authorize the Chairman to execute a contract with Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) for the initial task to assemble a working group and develop a scope of work for the evaluation of impacts and benefits of plug-in fuel cell hybrid electric vehicles in an amount not to exceed $50,000 from the Clean Fuels Fund.
 

Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Executive Officer

Background

In 2000, the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) assembled a working group to compare the impacts and benefits of various hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) options. The resulting public study, co-funded by AQMD, evaluated light-duty HEV architecture, performance, modeling, costs and commercialization issues. The manner in which various hybrid vehicle components are sized, packaged, fueled, and controlled, can substantially impact the air quality benefits from these vehicles.

On April 7, 2006, the Board directed staff to expand the AQMD’s plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) program by developing new technology application projects and increasing the outreach efforts regarding PHEV benefits. Several PHEV projects co-funded by AQMD are in progress, such as the development and demonstration of PHEV Sprinter vans with EPRI and Chrysler, a PHEV utility boom truck with EPRI, Eaton, and Ford, and conversion of hybrid passenger vehicles to plug-in with several partners. GM and Toyota have announced intent to introduce PHEVs in 2010, and Ford is working on demonstration projects with electric utilities.

AQMD has also been very active in fuel cell vehicle demonstration efforts with Sunline to demonstrate fuel cell buses, with the California Fuel Cell Partnership to coordinate demonstrations with state and national efforts, and by using fuel cell vehicles in our own fleet. Some early fuel cell vehicles did not include electrical energy stored in batteries or ultracapacitors, but most recent designs have shown a trend towards greater electrical energy stored, in addition to providing peak power to assist the fuel cell. Recently, Ford, GM, and Chrysler have shown plug-in fuel cell hybrid passenger vehicle prototypes. Vehicles that allow fueling with both hydrogen and electricity could provide fuel flexibility and encourage fuel competition to reduce costs, while ensuring zero emission miles traveled.

Proposal

EPRI is proposing to assemble a working group and develop a scope of work to evaluate the potential for a variety of plug-in fuel cell hybrid electric vehicle (PFCHEV) options, building on analysis from the earlier study. The working group will consist of the key stakeholders, in particular, the automobile, electric utility, and fuel cell industries as well as leading environmental and policy organizations. The scope of work will outline the level-of-effort needed to define and assess PFCHV technology options, their emission and greenhouse gas reduction potential, and identify the parameters needed to evaluate their cost-benefit and market prospects.

Once the working group is successfully assembled and agrees to the scope of work, the participants will decide how to finalize funding and seek approvals to conduct a complete study. EPRI envisions the complete study will cost approximately $1 million and include project management and reporting, new plug-in fuel cell definitions, reference vehicle operating profiles, vehicle modeling, and analyses of energy and environmental impacts, operating and life cycle costs, cost benefits, and market potential.

Benefits to AQMD

This initial task will assemble a working group and develop a scope of work to evaluate the technology options, cost-benefits and market potential for plug-in fuel cell hybrid vehicles. Once this first task is successfully completed, it will outline a path for analyzing plug-in fuel cell hybrid vehicles, which could result in a broader public knowledge base and help expedite introduction of zero emitting vehicles in the South Coast Basin. Sufficient funding for the proposed amendment is included in the March 2008 update of the Technology Advancement Plan in the category “Demonstrate Light-Duty Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles.”

Sole Source Justification

Section VIII.B.2. of the Procurement Policy and Procedure identifies four major provisions under which a sole source award may be justified. This request for a sole source award is made under provision B.2.d.: Other circumstances exist which in the determination of the Executive Officer require such waiver in the best interest of the AQMD. Specifically, these circumstances are B.2.d.(1): Project involving cost sharing by multiple sponsors.

EPRI, founded in 1973 as a non-profit energy research consortium, manages a far-reaching program of scientific research, technology development, and product implementation and has a long history of managing and supporting similar projects involving development and commercialization of new technologies. The team brought together by EPRI has significant experience in vehicle development, modeling, test cycle evaluation, emissions and performance assessment, and new technology commercialization, and experience in assembling knowledgeable working groups. The AQMD contribution to this project will match expected co-funding from ARB.

Resource Impacts

The cost to complete the initial task to analyze plug-in fuel cell hybrid vehicles is approximately $100,000. The amount of AQMD funding shall not exceed $50,000 to participate in this initial task. Cost-sharing will be provided from the following sources:

Sufficient funds are available from the Clean Fuels Fund, established as a special revenue fund resulting from the state-mandated Cleans Fuels Program. The Clean Fuels Program, under Health and Safety Code Sections 40448.5 and 40512 and Vehicle Code Section 9250.11, establishes mechanisms to collect revenues from mobile sources to support projects to increase the utilization of clean fuels, including the development of the necessary advanced enabling technologies. Funds collected from motor vehicles are restricted, by statute, to be used for projects and program activities related to mobile sources that support the objectives of the Clean Fuels Program.