News Summary

California is experiencing a decline in hydrogen fuel-cell stations, with fewer locations available than in previous years. Despite the addition of four new stations, the overall number has dropped due to the closure of seven Shell-owned stations. Currently, only 55 stations are operational, and many face technical issues and lower vehicle registrations. The future remains uncertain for hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles in the state.

Hydrogen Fuel Stations Face Challenges in California

California, the sunshine state known for its dedication to clean energy, is hitting a bump in the road when it comes to hydrogen fuel-cell stations. The latest report from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) reveals a concerning trend: there are fewer hydrogen fueling stations in California now than before!

New Openings Amidst Closures

On a positive note, four new stations popped up since last year, located in Riverside, Orange County, and Oakland. Sounds great, right? Well, not so fast. Even with these new additions, the overall number of hydrogen stations has dropped by three. This is mainly due to the unfortunate closure of seven Shell-owned stations, leaving the state with a bittersweet total of 62 hydrogen fueling stations. However, be prepared for a little twist: seven of these are currently classified as Temporarily Non-Operational (TNO).

How Accessible Are These Stations?

So, what does this mean for drivers eager to fuel up their hydrogen vehicles? CARB indicates that only **55 stations** are actually open for business. And here’s the kicker—some stations even require advance reservations to fuel up, which can complicate things for those on the go. If you’re planning to drive around the state, you should know that hydrogen stations are heavily concentrated in the Los Angeles metro area and the Bay Area. Yet, if your travels take you between these hubs, think again! There’s only one station located approximately halfway between—found in Coalinga.

The Struggles of Hydrogen Fuel-Cell Vehicle Owners

The news of Shell’s closures paints a troubling picture for hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle (FCEV) owners. The progress in building out the hydrogen station network has been painfully slow. CARB has pointed out that the operational hours of many stations have decreased due to supply disruptions and equipment failures—yikes! On top of that, the price of hydrogen has doubled over recent years. This spike in price has led to longer wait times and even greater fueling difficulties at the remaining stations.

Future Prospects for Hydrogen Fueling Stations

You may be wondering—what’s the future like for hydrogen stations? Well, expectations were initially set high, with projections estimating the number of stations would nearly double by the end of 2024. However, the reality now seems to be heading in the opposite direction.

Meanwhile, a public-private partnership, known as ARCHES, aims to invest a whopping $12.6 billion to support hydrogen as a fuel source for buses and trucks. However, FCEV owners should not hold their breath, as these stations are not expected to be operational before 2031. Talk about a long wait!

Changing Corporate Focus

In another twist, Shell appears to be shifting gears away from hydrogen stations designed for passenger vehicles. Instead, they’re now focusing their efforts on heavy-duty vehicles. This shift is accompanied by plans to close several remaining hydrogen stations, adding yet another concern to the list.

Technical Troubles and Low Registrations

To make matters worse, some stations are grappling with technical issues, specifically with hydrogen filling equipment supplied by a company in Norway called Nel. Meanwhile, the number of hydrogen vehicle registrations remains low in California, reaching less than 1% compared to battery-electric cars. This emphasizes the uphill battle that hydrogen fuel-cell cars face in California’s evolving automotive market.

Final Thoughts

As the number of hydrogen fueling stations dwindles, questions arise about the long-term viability and attractiveness of hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles. With ongoing challenges and growing concerns, it seems that the road ahead for hydrogen cars in California is looking increasingly uncertain.

Hydrogen Fuel Stations Face Challenges in California

News Summary