Will there be enough platinum for a large deployment of fuel cell electric vehicles

Abstract This study focuses on the critical materials that make up hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles. It addresses the issue of platinum, a catalyst for the electricity production reaction. All types of vehicles are considered, in order to have a broader inventory than many studies on the subject: Light Duty Vehicles, Light Commercial Vehicles, Buses, Coaches, Trucks and Heavy Trucks. Platinum is produced in countries that show uncertain stability. The question of reserves and resources is central, and world referent agencies and companies data were used. To reach 20% penetration rate of fuel cells Light Duty Vehicles in 2050 while preserving platinum resources until 2100, it is essential to make significant progress on the platinum load per unit of power, and to encourage consumers to collect close to 100% of their fuel cells. If platinum catalyzed fuel cells are only used in buses and trucks, penetration rates can be much higher. Nevertheless, the use of fuel cells as “Range-Extenders” for electric vehicle batteries will greatly reduce the future risk of platinum supply scarcity. Close attention must also be paid to the processes of transfer of resources to reserves.