Irvine, Calif.-based start-up FirstElement Fuel Inc. has launched its True Zero Network, a series of hydrogen-charge stations to be located across the state of California.
In its first deployment of the True Zero hydrogen network, FirstElement Fuel has opened 15 True Zero stations across Silicon Valley, the greater Los Angeles area, the Lake Tahoe area and Harris Ranch in the San Joaquin Valley.
“In the past, the lack of a fueling network kept fuel-cell vehicles off the road and has been hampering activity in recent years,” says Joel Ewanick, CEO of FirstElement Fuel. “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.”
FirstElement Fuel says that the projects are being funded in large part by grants from the California Energy Commission, South Coast Air Quality Management District and Bay Area Air Quality Management District, as well as from partnerships with Toyota and Honda.
FirstElement Fuel adds that an additional four stations are expected to be online by year’s end and that Black & Veatch will serve as the engineering, procurement and construction contractor for the 19 stations.
