In this paper, a model reference adaptive controller is designed using the Lyapunov method, for tracking a time varying power profile in an automobile powered by a fuel cell. The adaptability of the controller is tested by implementing the controller on different power profiles which simulate actual power requirement of different road conditions. The performance of the adaptive controller is compared with a conventional PID controller and it is observed that the adaptive controller has superior performance. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.