Abstract: Solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) is an energy conversion technology that can directly transform chemical energy into electric energy. It possesses characteristics of high efficiency, flexible fuel choice, and strong impurity tolerance. In recent years, there has been increased research focus on the application of SOFC in transportation. This study starts from the working principle of SOFC, analyses the application advantages of SOFC in transportation, and introduces the forms of application of SOFC in transportation, including as an auxiliary power unit and powertrain. The calculated efficiency of well-to-wheel (WTW) as a power system is 34%—39%, which is much higher than that of internal combustion engines (14%—17%) and batteries (27%), demonstrating the potential of SOFC as a powertrain in transportation. Then, the research progress of the SOFC power system is presented, 

Key words:  solid oxide fuel cell, transportation, powertrain, e?ciency of well to wheel