TORRANCE, Calif. – Seeking to expand California’s public hydrogen refueling station network, and support the wider introduction of fuel-cell vehicles, Honda will provide $13.8 million in financial assistance to FirstElement Fuel to build additional hydrogen refueling stations around the state.
Additional state grants, combined with the Honda financing, could enable FirstElement to add at least 12 stations to its California hydrogen network.
“FirstElement Fuel is providing a vital piece of what is needed for a successful launch of fuel-cell vehicles,” said Steven Center, vice president of Honda’s Environmental Business Development Office. “Through this collaboration, FirstElement will enable our customers to experience hydrogen refueling that is as reliable, convenient and consumer-friendly as the vehicles are.”
FirstElement received nearly $27 million in grants from the California Energy Commission earlier this year to build a network of 19 stations around the state. California plans to invest $200 million into hydrogen station development over the next several years. Financial support from Honda, along with future grants the state, will allow FirstElement to expand its network of stations by more than 50% to at least 31 stations.
FirstElement Fuel is working to create the world’s first true retail hydrogen refueling network by developing and operating stations in California’s metro areas, as well as in connector and destination locations.
On November 17, 2014, the Honda FCV Concept was unveiled in Japan, pointing the way to an all-new Honda fuel-cell vehicles slated for launch first in Japan by March 2016, followed by launches in the U.S. and Europe. Honda's next-generation fuel-cell vehicle will feature a fuel-cell powertrain packaged completely in the engine room of the vehicle, allowing for efficiencies in cabin space as well as flexibility in the potential application of fuel-cell technology to multiple vehicle types in the future. The next-generation Honda FCV is anticipated to have a driving range of more than 300 miles.