Shell in collaboration with Honda and Toyota to Bring Seven New Hydrogen Refueling Stations in California

The California Energy Commission awarded a grant of $16,362,500 on August the 9^th. The grant was given to Equilon Enterprises LLC, a subsidiary of Shell Oil Company, for the development of seven hydrogen refueling stations in Northern California.

Toyota Motor Corporation and Honda Motor Corporation are collaborating with Shell Oil Co. on the construction of seven new hydrogen stations in Northern California. Honda and Toyota will provide financial support. Seven refueling stations are planned for Shell-branded retail stations across Northern California. There will be three in San Francisco and one in Sacramento, Berkley, Citrus Heights and Walnut Creek. Alongside Honda, Toyota will provide extra support for the stations. Shell will own and operate the completed stations, according to a Toyota spokeswoman.

Each year, The Energy Commission supports and invests up to $100 million for innovations in fuel technologies as well as in transportation that help California meet energy, clean air and climate change goals. The refueling stations will be placed in strategic locations within the existing network of Shell –branded retail stations, providing future fuel cell electric vehicle drivers high quality service and car refueling in minutes.

“We are grateful to the California Energy Commission for grant funding that will enable customers to choose hydrogen fuel alongside gasoline and diesel,” Oliver Bishop, Hydrogen general manager for Shell Exploration and Production Company, said. “We will apply our worldwide experience of more than 100 years in marketing transportation fuels to the success of these hydrogen refueling stations. We are also grateful for the contributions of Honda, Toyota, and Anglo American Platinum to these seven stations,” he stated. “A range of different fuels and vehicle technologies will be needed to meet transport needs in a low carbon energy future. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are one of these solutions.”

“Toyota and Shell have a long-standing relationship in support of hydrogen infrastructure development, dating back to the 2009 opening of Shell’s only dedicated hydrogen refueling station at our facility in Torrance, California,” said Craig Scott, Advanced Technology Vehicle senior manager, Toyota Motor North America. “Toyota is excited to work with such a forward-thinking energy company as we transition to a cleaner, hydrogen future.”

Any California fuel cell vehicle, such as Honda Clarity, Toyota Mirai or Hyundai Tucson will be able to use the stations.

“Honda believes fuel cell technology has great potential to address society’s energy and environmental concerns,” Steve Center, vice president, Connected and Environmental Business Development for American Honda Motor Co., Inc., said. “With companies like Shell supporting hydrogen refueling infrastructure, the motoring public and the investment communities will take note that hydrogen is going to be a major part of the future of clean, low carbon mobility.”

Both Honda and Toyota have a hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicle on the market. There were less than 12 hydrogen refueling stations in October 2015 in the entire state of California but that number had grown to more than 50 by the end of 2016.

“The California Energy Commission is pleased to support the adoption of zero-emission fuel cell electric cars through the expansion of California’s network of hydrogen refueling stations,” Janea A. Scott, Energy commissioner, said. “The Commission looks forward to continuing its work with private and public partners to help transform California’s transportation system to help the state achieve its greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals, improve air quality, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.”

This project will increase the number of Shell-operated hydrogen stations in the state to nine. Still, this is not enough and they are only limited to California. Now, thanks to their collaboration and help, Shell, Toyota and Honda have put hydrogen on the right track.