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Fuel cells are a promising energy source on account of their high efficiency and low emissions. Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) are clean and environmental-friendly power sources, which can become future energy solutions especially for transport vehicles. They exhibit good energy efficiency and high power density per volume. Working at low temperatures (<90°C), hydrogen fuelled proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are identified as promising alternatives for powering autos, houses and electronics. At the middle of the proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell is the membrane electrode assembly (MEA). The MEA consists of a proton exchange membrane, catalyst layers, and gas diffusion layers (GDL). However, most of the researchers have already mentioned that PEMFC are not competitive enough to rechargeable lithium ion battery with respect to price because of the rare metal used such as platinum in it.

Automotive industries have been a significant contributor to global warming over the last 30 years. Due to the excessive increase in environmental degradation, research has been conducted extensively in various fields to explore sustainable alternatives to IC engines. Therefore, heavy emphasis is being laid on Battery-run Electric Vehicles (BEVs) and Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs). BEVs are facing their own set of challenges when it comes to production, recharge time, battery capacity and net carbon footprint, among other issues. However, FCEVs offer certain new opportunities for the automobile sector to foray into a sustainable space. This study aims to review the performance of fuel cell vehicles against the parameters of economic feasibility, technological feasibility, energy efficiency. Recent developments in fuel cell research have been discussed.