Abstract In this paper, a PEM fuel cell hybrid vehicle performance is studied. Main components of this hybrid vehicle are: fuel cell power system, DC–DC converter, battery, electric motor and transmission system. The fuel cell power system which is comprised of fuel cell stack and auxiliary components are modeled and simulated in a previous paper by the authors. The fuel cell is controlled so that it operates at its peak net power. Depending on driving condition, the stack temperature changes during the vehicle performance. To prevent the temperature from exceeding a limit, which is 80 _C, a PID controller is employed. The results of the power system modeling are validated using a previous study on a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell power system in K.N. Toosi University of Technology. The hybrid configuration of the vehicle improves its performance in acceleration, slope climbing, extending the driving range and fuel consumption. The battery state of charge (SOC) should always remain in a prescribed range. In this study, the battery SOC is controlled within its defined range during vehicle performance using two controllers. Finally, fuel consumption and vehicle performance are investigated during two driving cycles.