California’s Hydrogen Refueling Network Adds Three New Stations

California’s growing hydrogen refueling network has added three new stations since June, further bolstering the state’s global leadership in the adoption of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) as part of its broader strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality.

Stations opened in the city of San Ramon in the East Bay and the cities of Lawndale and Torrance in the Los Angeles area—bringing the number of stations in the state to 30. The expanding network provides the convenient access to fueling options needed to get more Californians to abandon their petroleum-fueled car and get behind the wheel of a zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle.

San Ramon's newest hydrogen station, located at 4475 Norris Canyon Road.

“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 California Energy Commissioner Janea A. Scott.

With transportation responsible for nearly 40 percent of California’s greenhouse gas emissions, the state is working to get 1.5 million ZEVs, such as hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, on California roads by 2025.

State initiatives to support adoption of these vehicles include the California Energy Commission’s commitment to invest in an initial network of 100 public hydrogen stations across California. The public-private effort to build a network on this scale is the first of its kind in the world.

Lawndale's newest hydrogen station, located at 15606 Inglewood Avenue.

The Energy Commission has funded 60 hydrogen stations, with 30 now open. Just since June, the Energy Commission has approved funding to develop 16 stations.

Fuel cell cars run upwards of 300 miles on a full tank, about the same distance as gasoline-fueled cars. It also takes roughly the same amount of time to fill the tank for both types of vehicles - three to five minutes.

See the status and locations of the stations here.