In this paper, the results of an exergetic well-to-wheels analysis of a number of hydrogen production and hydrogen storage systems for automotive applications are given. A total of eight different fuel chains is exergetically analysed. Exergy analysis is shown to have considerable additional value compared to conventional energetic well-to-wheels analyses based on the lower or higher heating value of fuels under consideration. Exergy can be used for both fuel and non-fuel resources and can play an important role in the quantification of resource depletion in fuel chains. With exergy analysis, it is possible to determine thermodynamic limits of processes and to locate and interpret process losses. Exergy analysis is therefore a useful tool in process improvement and process comparison. Furthermore, exergy can play a role in the quantification of the effort it would take to abate or recycle waste streams. (C) 2003 International Association for Hydrogen Energy. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.