Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and hydrogen internal combustion vehicles both use hydrogen as fuel. California currently has 13 research hydrogen fueling stations, 9 public stations and an additional 18 that have been funded and are expected to be operational in the next few years.
The majority of hydrogen produced in the United States is used in industrial applications, but the demand for hydrogen by the transportation sector is growing since it has been identified as an alternative transportation fuel. As a result of regulatory measures requiring zero-emission vehicles, hydrogen is developing into one of several major fuel types for advanced clean vehicles in the United States, especially California.
Most new hydrogen fueling stations are being located at existing gasoline stations, which means that hydrogen dispensers may be placed adjacent to or on the same island as the gasoline dispenser. Although the gasoline and hydrogen dispensers look very similar, the nozzle and hose for the hydrogen dispenser are different. The hydrogen nozzles form an airtight connection with the FCEV fuel tank and are not physically similar to gasoline nozzles. The hose for the hydrogen dispenser is narrower than gasoline hoses and is cool to the touch as chilled, high-pressure hydrogen fills the FCEV fuel tank. Most hydrogen dispensers provide hydrogen fuel at two different pressures: 35 and 70 MPa. The hydrogen gas compressed to 70 MPa is more dense than 35 MPa hydrogen fuel, which means that more fuel at 70 MPa can be contained in the same fuel tank volume. FCEVs that run on 70 MPa hydrogen fuel typically have greater driving range. Therefore, a single hydrogen dispenser will typically house a hose with nozzle for each pressure.
Find Hydrogen Fueling Stations
The California Fuel Cell Partnership maintains a map of all hydrogen fueling stations planned and in operation in California. You may search the Station Map for the closest hydrogen fueling station using your ZIP code.
If you see a sign with this hydrogen symbol on a State highway, a hydrogen fueling station is within 3 miles.
California Fuel Cell Partnership: The CaFCP maintains a map of all hydrogen fueling stations planned and in operation in California.
U.S. Department of Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center. A site developed by the Department of Energy that provides maps to refueling stations in the US for CNG, LPG/propane, ethanol, electric, biodiesel, hydrogen, and liquefied natural gas (LNG).
A California Road Map: Bringing Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles to the Golden State discusses the existing and planned hydrogen fueling infrastructure complementing the market introduction of fuel cell electric vehicles in California. Policymakers and auto manufacturers recognize that California needs to build 68 hydrogen fueling stations throughout the state by 2017 to support the early commercialization of FCEVs.