Photo: FirstElement Fuels
FirstElement Fuel (FEF) has unveiled the world’s first hydrogen fuel station for heavy-duty trucks, marking a significant milestone for the United States. Located near the Port of Oakland, the station offers efficient hydrogen fueling, featuring the first heavy-duty truck H70 fast-fill lane and a capacity that exceeds its previous fuel station capacities by more than ten times. With the ability to refill a truck’s hydrogen tanks in ten minutes, the station can service around 200 trucks daily.
In 2023, Nikola and FEF formalized a 10-year partnership to refuel Nikola’s hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks at FEF’s station in Oakland, funded under the NorCal Zero Project. Additionally, 30 zero-emission Hyundai XCIENT fuel-cell tractors are assigned to the station for drayage tasks. FEF estimates that the participation of 30 trucks in the project will eliminate 300,000 pounds of other pollutants, including nitrogen oxides, and that two million gallons of diesel fuel will remain unused over the course of this six-year project.
By providing hydrogen fuel for trucks operating in and around the port, FEF aims to address environmental challenges stemming from the transportation sector and contribute to the region’s air quality improvement initiatives. Dr. Shane Stephens, FEF’s Founder, Chief Development Officer, and Board Member, has announced the company’s plan to set up additional hydrogen stations throughout California along major trucking routes, creating a comprehensive network across the state.
As hydrogen fuel cell technology continues to mature, the availability of refueling infrastructure becomes increasingly crucial for hydrogen’s widespread adoption in the transportation sector. The opening of this station represents a significant step forward in overcoming infrastructure barriers and accelerating the transition towards a more sustainable transportation system.
