2009 Niche Transport Survey

 Since the last survey the Niche Transport market for fuel cells has been something of a tale of two halves.  Some applications such as e-bikes, which only a couple of years ago were seen as the next big thing, and trains have slowed down considerably. On the other hand three applications have become what the FCT analysts refer to as “breakout markets”, markets which are experiencing solid market pull whether from government, military or direct consumer demand. These are materials handling vehicles, Auxiliary Power Units (APUs) and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). Whilst of these three only materials handling has seen any growth this year, this has been somewhat artificially impacted by US government funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).  Support for forklift installations through this US$789 billion economic stimulus programme has not only improved shipment numbers but has also changed the mix of electrolytes and a shift upwards of North American share of global niche transport shipments from 9% in 2008 to 25% in 2009.

As well as updated information on the state of the fuel cell niche transport sector in 2009 the full report includes special sections on market drivers and barriers and an overview of the UAV market. This includes a 10 year forecast on UAV development by military and civilian use and region of system shipments.

Also included in the full report is a ten year forecast for the niche transport sector by application, region of manufacture, electrolyte and fuel and a special forecast on the three breakout markets.