Katerina Swanson
Hydrogen fuel cell electric cars are becoming an increasingly viable option for consumers, with manufacturers such as Hyundai and Toyota offering production models for sale or lease. The number of retail hydrogen fuelling stations is growing, with 54 available across the US in 2024, and California leading the way in producing 100% renewable hydrogen fuel. Hydrogen stations are designed to be self-service and operate similarly to compressed natural gas fuelling. They are mostly located at existing gas stations and can provide over 300 miles worth of hydrogen gas in as little as 5 minutes.
Where to Fuel a Hydrogen Car
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | California, Hawaii, East Coast, and other markets as demand increases |
| Number of Stations | 54 retail stations available nationwide in 2024 |
| Station Types | Retail, Private, Mobile, and Planned |
| Station Features | Self-service, similar to compressed natural gas stations, with standardized safety systems |
| Payment Methods | Credit cards, common credit/debit cards |
| Fueling Time | Under 5 minutes for cars, 10 minutes for transit buses and trucks |
| Fueling Benefits | Over 300 miles of range in 5 minutes, three years of free fuel with some car purchases |
| Hydrogen Sources | Electrolysis of water, reforming natural gas or biomethane, existing pipelines, industrial gas companies |
| Hydrogen Storage | Gaseous, liquid (requires more space), delivered in trailers with full cylinders |
| Hydrogen Production | California leads in producing 100% renewable hydrogen fuel |
| Hydrogen Cost | Higher than gasoline initially, but more efficient fuel cells and incentives available |
| Station Expansion | Funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and consumer demand |
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What You'll Learn
Hydrogen fuel stations in California
California is at the forefront of hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle deployment, with the state investing in an initial network of 100 public hydrogen stations to support the adoption of zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell electric cars. The state aims to have 1.5 million zero-emission vehicles on California roads by 2025 and to achieve its climate change goals, improve air quality, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
The California Energy Commission's Clean Transportation Program, formerly known as the Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program, is supporting the expansion of California's hydrogen refueling infrastructure. The program is funded by the Energy Commission and aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and petroleum dependence in the transportation sector.
The average price of hydrogen for a light-duty fuel cell electric vehicle in California was $16.51 per kilogram in 2019. As more retail stations open and utilization increases, the price is expected to become more competitive with gasoline prices. For example, the True Zero Oakland hydrogen station, which opened in late 2019, offers hydrogen at $13.11 per kilogram. Additionally, automakers offer free fuel for three years to bridge the time until the market becomes more competitive with other fuel options.
While California is making strides in hydrogen fuel infrastructure, there have been setbacks. Shell, for instance, has closed most of its hydrogen refuelling stations for passenger cars in California due to "supply complications and other external market factors". Despite this, California continues to forge ahead with ambitious plans for hydrogen fuel stations, including the recent opening of the first big-rig hydrogen fuel station in the U.S., serving 30 hydrogen fuel-cell trucks. The state has also received federal funding to establish a hydrogen hub, which will result in the construction of 60 more hydrogen truck stations, serving 5,000 trucks and 1,000 buses.
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Hydrogen fuel stations in other US states
As of 2024, there are 54 retail hydrogen fuel stations available across the US, with most of these concentrated in California. California is currently the only state with a network of retail hydrogen fueling stations. However, efforts are being made to expand the availability of hydrogen fuel in Hawaii and across the East Coast.
In California, hydrogen fuel stations can be found in northern regions near San Francisco and in southern areas near Los Angeles and San Diego. These stations are typically added to existing gasoline stations, with mobile hydrogen fuelers also being developed to support the expansion of hydrogen infrastructure.
Outside of California, there are limited options for refueling hydrogen-powered vehicles. However, the US Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has established a National Alternative Fuels Corridors grant program to address this issue. This program aims to achieve the strategic deployment of hydrogen fueling infrastructure in designated hydrogen corridors. Additionally, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law includes funding for seven Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs (H2Hubs) to accelerate the deployment of low-cost, clean hydrogen.
One example of a hydrogen fuel station outside of California is located at 8601 Paseo Alameda Northeast, Albuquerque, NM.
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Hydrogen fuel station safety
Hydrogen fuel stations are an important part of the growing hydrogen car market. While the network is expanding, current stations are primarily focused on core market areas and strategic locations to enable statewide and vacation travel. California, for example, is leading the way in producing 100% renewable hydrogen fuel, with stations located at existing gas stations.
Safety is a key concern for any fuel, and hydrogen is no exception. Hydrogen fuel stations have been designed with safety in mind, incorporating engineering controls and guidelines to ensure the safe handling and use of hydrogen. Hydrogen has a wide range of flammable concentrations in air and a lower ignition energy than gasoline or natural gas, so adequate ventilation and leak detection are vital. Special flame detectors are also required as hydrogen burns with an almost invisible flame. The design of safe hydrogen systems also considers the materials used, as some metals can become brittle when exposed to hydrogen.
Training in safe hydrogen handling practices is another critical element of hydrogen fuel station safety. Groups like the Center for Hydrogen Safety (CHS) provide training for incident response and resources for those designing and using hydrogen systems and facilities. With industry support and a focus on safety, the use of hydrogen as a clean energy alternative can be optimized.
While hydrogen has known safety hazards, it also has properties that make it safer to handle than conventional fuels like gasoline and diesel when handled responsibly. Hydrogen is not toxic, and a leak or spill will not contaminate the environment or threaten health, unlike fossil fuels. Additionally, because hydrogen is much lighter than air, it dissipates rapidly when released, allowing for quick dispersal in the event of a leak.
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Hydrogen fuel station locations
Hydrogen fuel stations are designed to be self-service and are similar to compressed natural gas fuelling stations. They are equipped with standardized safety systems, including grounding, breakaway hoses, and fire and gas sensors. Hydrogen stations are usually located at existing gas stations, and in some cases, mobile hydrogen fuelers are used, with liquefied or compressed hydrogen and dispensing equipment stored on a trailer.
In the United States, California leads the way in producing 100% renewable hydrogen fuel, with stations located throughout the state, particularly in northern California near San Francisco and southern California near Los Angeles and San Diego. Some specific locations in California include Whipple Avenue in Redwood City, 45th Street in Emeryville, and Heacock Street in Moreno Valley.
Outside of California, there are efforts to expand hydrogen fuelling locations in Hawaii and across the East Coast. As of 2024, there were 54 retail stations available nationwide, and the number is expected to grow with increasing consumer demand.
The U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has established a National Alternative Fuels Corridors grant program to support the strategic deployment of hydrogen fuelling infrastructure. This includes funding for Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs to accelerate the deployment of clean hydrogen production and distribution across the country.
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Hydrogen fuel station funding
Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles offer several benefits to drivers, including faster refuelling times and longer ranges compared to battery-electric vehicles. However, the current lack of hydrogen fuelling infrastructure remains a significant barrier to the widespread adoption of hydrogen cars.
California is at the forefront of addressing this issue, with a comprehensive hydrogen fuelling network that includes 65 stations, 20 of which are in Los Angeles County. This network is supported by the state's funding initiatives, such as the Clean Transportation Program, which aims to accelerate the development of zero-emission vehicle infrastructure. Despite the limited popularity of hydrogen cars, California lawmakers have approved a $106 million deal to further expand the state's hydrogen fuelling infrastructure. This funding will be allocated towards building new stations for hydrogen cars and trucks, with an estimated completion date of July 2030.
The funding for hydrogen fuel stations in California comes from various sources, including fees paid by car owners, such as car registration fees and smog abatement fees. The state's Clean Transportation Program, funded by these fees, has played a crucial role in supporting the development of hydrogen fuelling infrastructure. Additionally, the California Energy Commission has invested significantly in this area, contributing $202 million towards the establishment of the existing network of 65 stations.
While some critics argue that allocating substantial funds towards hydrogen fuelling stations is wasteful due to the low demand for hydrogen cars, supporters of hydrogen technology advocate for continued investment. They believe that increased funding will encourage more people to adopt hydrogen vehicles, highlighting the technology's zero-emission benefits in the fight against climate change.
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Frequently asked questions
Hydrogen fuel stations are available in select markets, with California leading the way in producing 100% renewable hydrogen fuel. Stations are located at existing gas stations throughout California, with a focus on core market areas and strategic locations to enable statewide and vacation travel.
You can use online resources such as the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Partnership's station map or the Alternative Fuels Data Center to locate hydrogen fueling stations by address, route, or search criteria.
Hydrogen fuel cell cars offer several advantages over other electric cars. They provide over 300 miles of range in just 5 minutes of fueling, and some manufacturers include three years' worth of free fuel with the vehicle. Additionally, hydrogen fuel is non-toxic, environmentally benign, and has been safely used in manufacturing for decades.
Hydrogen fuel cell electric car owners may be eligible for various consumer incentives. For example, new vehicles purchased in 2023 or later may qualify for a federal income tax credit of up to $7,500. Fuel cell cars also qualify for perks such as the Clean Air Vehicle decal, allowing solo access to carpool lanes.
Hydrogen stations have standardized safety systems, including grounding, breakaway hoses, fire sensors, and sensors for pressure, temperature, and leakage detection. These safety measures are designed specifically for hydrogen's properties, ensuring the safe handling and fueling of hydrogen-powered vehicles.
