This network gives the hydrogen community hope that the industry will be able to rapidly get the necessary stations online in order to meet the demand and timing of the OEMs.
The simultaneous launch of the True Zero Network, a network of hydrogen-charge stations being built by start-up FirstElement Fuel Inc., would help to remove a major roadblock for these types of cars: uncertainty about finding a convenient charging location.
In Silicon Valley, the greater Los Angeles area, Lake Tahoe, and Harris Ranch in the San Joaquin Valley, the first 15 True Zero stations were turned on.
By the end of the year, four more stations are scheduled to be live. The ventures are partially financed by grants from the California Energy Commission, the South Coast AQMD, and the Bay Area AQMD, as well as collaborations with Toyota and Honda, which are the first to market with fuel-cell electric vehicles.
True Zero is the world’s largest network of hydrogen-charge ports that are able to be used by retail customers. Customers can now charge their vehicles at stations throughout the state of California.
“In the past the lack of a fueling network kept fuel-cell vehicles off the road, and has been hampering activity in recent years. Soon, a short stop for a four-minute charge of True Zero hydrogen will enable drivers of all-electric fuel-cell cars to confidently get to their destination without the worry of range anxiety.”
Joel Ewanick, chief executive officer of FirstElement
