A comprehensive procedure for mathematical modeling and validation of a fuel cell hybrid vehicle (FCHV) is presented in this paper. The subsystems are modeled based on lab testing and in-field vehicle testing results from the Tongji University Start prototype vehicle. An FCHV-SIM (fuel cell hybrid vehicle simulation) model is then developed based on the experimental data. Model validation results confirm that the FCHV-SIM model is reasonably accurate and suitable for model-based control development.