Energy Commission Celebrates California’s Leadership in Hydrogen Vehicle Adoption
As part of Earth Day celebrations, officials from three state agencies caravaned from Sacramento to the Bay Area and back using hydrogen fuel cell electric cars to celebrate California’s global leadership in efforts to get more of the zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) on the road.
“California is on the cutting edge in the adoption of hydrogen fuel cell electric cars,” said California Energy Commissioner Janea A. Scott.
Scott made the drive April 20, with Mary Nichols, chair of the California Air Resources Board (CARB), and Tyson Eckerle, deputy director for zero emission vehicle infrastructure with the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz).
The officials were joined by other members of the California Fuel Cell Partnership (CaFCP), a public-private effort to promote hydrogen fuel cell vehicles in California.
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. 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 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,” Scott said. “We look forward to continuing our work with public and private partners as California paves the way for a zero-emission transportation future.”
The caravan, which included car 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 before returning to Sacramento. At the State Capitol, members of the caravan kicked off the event with supporters Assemblymember Bill Quirk and State Senator Henry Stern. At the Hayward station, the Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District (AC Transit) displayed a hydrogen fuel cell electric bus to further demonstrate the state’s support of the technology.
The Energy Commission provided funding for the True Zero stations, as well as two stations used to fuel AC Transit’s bus fleet.
To view the photo album from the April 20 Bay Area Hydrogen Tour, click here
