Hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) can reduce air pollution as well as achieve efficient use of hydrogen energy. Farther travel distance requires larger hydrogen storage pressure, thereby imposing more demanding working conditions on the pressure reducing system. In this paper, a multi-stage high pressure reducing valve (MSHPRV) for hydrogen decompression in FCEV is proposed, and the effects of different structural parameters on its internal flow characteristics are investigated to achieve a better hydrogen decompression process. Results show that compared with perforated plate, multi-stage perforated sleeves and valve core hold the dominant position in hydrogen throttling process. Larger multi-stage perforated sleeve diameter, perforated plate diameter and pressure ratio relate to larger hydrogen kinetic energy, turbulence vortex and energy consumption. However, with the increase of perforated plate stage and perforated plate radius, the turbulent intensity and energy consumption inside MSHPRV decreases correspondingly. This study can provide some technical supports for achieving hydrogen decompression in FCEV when facing harsh working conditions, or help with dealing energy conversion during decompression process. (C) 2019 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.