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A combination of fuel cells with internal combustion engines (FC/ICE hybrids) for light duty vehicle propulsion has the potential to offer significant benefits over conventional battery electric hybrid architectures. Specifically, compared to conventional battery / ICE hybrids the FC/ICE hybrid concept may offer improvements in vehicle utility, performance, and emissions. Furthermore, the FC/ICE hybrid can be implemented at a substantially lower cost than that associated with full fuel cell vehicles (FCVs). Numerous studies have indicated significant emission and energy efficiency benefits from FCVs, especially those based on proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). However, recent more detailed studies indicate that achieving competitiveness with IC engine-based powertrains, especially with respect to cost, would require significant additional improvements in fundamental PEMFC technology.