The focus of the paper covers the current discussion on the contribution of fuel cell vehicles to so-called "sustainable mobility". It evaluates whether advantages for the environmental situation and energy carrier supply can be expected from the already visible future characteristics of fuel cell propulsion systems in the transport sector. This contribution therefore determines full fuel cycle data for the energy demand and emissions as well a economic data. The different paths of a hydrocarbon-based fuel supply are evaluated with respect to primary energy use and CO(2) emissions from the fuel cycle. The technical systems analysis of fuel cell propulsion systems was realised with dynamic simulation models for driving cycles. The energy consumption and emission reduction potentials in the German passenger car transport sector were estimated for the introduction of fuel cell propulsion systems. Therefore scenario calculations were carried out to indicate how the results of the single analysis of technology and fuel supply concepts affect the German transport sector. The application of fuel cell electric vehicles in comparison to advanced internal combustion engine vehicles identifies a small CO(2) emission reduction potential for the German transport sector depending on the assumed full fuel cycles. The reduction of limited emissions can be expected to be much greater, which can help to reduce local smog problems. (C) 2003 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd on behalf of the International Association for Hydrogen Energy.