March 28, 2024
Global Renewable News

CALIFORNIA ENERGY COMMISSION
State Officials Celebrate California's Leadership in Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle Adoption
Caravan through Bay Area Demonstrates Fuel Cell Cars are Practical Option for Californians

April 24, 2017

Leaders from three state agencies caravaned from Sacramento to the Bay Area and back to demonstrate how easy it is to drive and fuel hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles in California, and to celebrate the state's global leadership in efforts to get more zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) on the road.

Making the round-trip drive two days before Earth Day were representatives from the California Air Resources Board (CARB), California Energy Commission, Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz), and other members of the California Fuel Cell Partnership (CaFCP), a public-private effort to promote hydrogen fuel cell vehicles in California. CaFCP members include state agencies, automakers, station operators, and air quality groups.

Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and other ZEVs play an important role in the state's efforts to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and petroleum dependence, and improve air quality.
"To achieve California's climate change and air quality goals, we are putting our dependence on fossil fuels in the rearview mirror thanks to the availability of clean vehicles and clean fuels," said CARB Chair Mary Nichols. "As a fuel cell EV driver, I am excited to hit the road to show off these fast, fun cars. With a full tank of hydrogen from one of the growing number of strategically located stations, I can go anywhere I need to go and as far as I used to on a tank of gas. These cars are available now along with financing incentives funded by proceeds from the state's cap-and-trade program."

The caravan, which included models such as the Honda Clarity Fuel Cell and Toyota Mirai, drove from the State Capitol to True Zero hydrogen refueling stations in Hayward and San Jose, with a photo stop at Treasure Island before returning to Sacramento. True Zero, Honda, and Toyota are all CaFCP members. Additionally, a hydrogen fuel cell electric bus operated by the Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District was displayed in Hayward.

California state agencies collaborate on a range of initiatives to help reach the state's goal of getting 1.5 million ZEVs such as hydrogen fuel cell vehicles on California roads by 2025. These initiatives include Energy Commission investments in an initial network of 100 public hydrogen stations needed to help make hydrogen fuel cell vehicles a practical option for consumers. The Energy Commission has funded 48 hydrogen stations, with 27 now open. Another 16 stations are proposed for funding, pending Energy Commission approval. The public-private effort to build a network on this scale is the first of its kind in the world.

"California is on the cutting edge in the adoption of hydrogen fuel cell electric cars. The Energy Commission is committed to investing in a network of conveniently-located refueling stations to support the fuel cell electric cars that are on the road now and to encourage more consumers to consider zero emission options," said Energy Commissioner Janea A. Scott. "We look forward to continuing our work with public and private partners as California paves the way for a zero-emission transportation future."

CARB also supports development of fueling infrastructure by matching projected market demand and advancing station technology. GO-Biz helps station providers, local government and developers with planning and permitting of new stations. Additionally, incentives funded by proceeds from the state's cap-and-trade program are available to help Californians lease fuel cell EVs.

"California is proof positive that investing in transportation infrastructure and the deployment of zero emission vehicles leads to statewide economic growth," said Tyson Eckerle, GO-Biz Deputy Director for Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure. "The state has made strategic investments to build new hydrogen fueling stations and as a result, fuel cell vehicle owners can now drive throughout the Bay Area and beyond with the absolute confidence that they will reach their destination and have enough fuel to take the scenic route home."

"More hydrogen stations are coming online in the Bay Area, and we are beginning to see the foundations of a growing statewide network," said Bill Elrick, Executive Director of the California Fuel Cell Partnership. "With each passing year, we will see more stations and cars, realizing our vision for a zero-emission fleet."

"Clean hydrogen powering fuel cell electric vehicles provides huge benefits for all including cleaner air, reduced carbon emissions, the elimination of petroleum dependence and economic growth," said Joel Ewanick, President and Chief Executive Officer of True Zero. "With the support of the state of California, automakers like Honda and Toyota and the True Zero hydrogen fueling infrastructure any uncertainly about this technology is over. We have the cars, we have the fuel, we have the fueling infrastructure. Hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles are in day-to-day use by drivers and this success can only grow in the years ahead."

About the California Air Resources Board

CARB's mission is to promote and protect public health, welfare, and ecological resources through effective reduction of air pollutants while recognizing and considering effects on the economy. CARB oversees all air pollution control efforts in California to attain and maintain health based air quality standards.

About the California Energy Commission

The California Energy Commission is the state's primary energy policy and planning agency. The agency was established by the California Legislature through the Warren-Alquist Act in 1974. It has seven core responsibilities: advancing state energy policy, encouraging energy efficiency, certifying thermal power plants, investing in energy innovation, developing renewable energy, transforming transportation, and preparing for energy emergencies.

About Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) Established in 2012 by Governor Brown, GO-Biz serves as California's single point of contact for economic development and job creation efforts. GO-Biz offers a range of services to business owners including: attraction, retention and expansion services, site selection, permit streamlining, clearing of regulatory hurdles, small business assistance, international trade development, assistance with state government, and much more. For more information visit:
www.business.ca.gov.

Contacts:
Melissa Jones-Ferguson, California Energy Commission, (916) 654-4989
Brook Taylor, Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development, (916) 322-0667
Lindsay Buckley, California Air Resources Board, (916) 769-7728
Chris Hosford, True Zero, (714) 743-8764
Keith Malone, California Fuel Cell Partnership, (951) 368-3636

For more information

California Energy Commission
1516 Ninth St
Sacramento California
United States 95814-5512
www.energy.ca.gov


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