Toyota Motor Sales, USA (TMS) and affiliate Toyota Motor Credit (TMCC) have entered into financial agreements with FirstElement Fuel (FE) to support the long-term operation and maintenance of new hydrogen refuelling stations in California.
The amount of financial assistance will be based on an analysis of the grant award to FirstElement by the California Energy Commission with final approval expected in June.
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Under the agreement with Toyota, FirstElement will develop a network of fuelling stations across California in locations approved by Toyota and consistent with the California Fuel Cell Partnership Road Map.
“The first few years here in California will be a critical period for hydrogen fuel cell technology,” TMS said.
“California has stepped up with the offer to invest US$200m to build 100 stations, and through this financial arrangement with FirstElement, Toyota is showing its full commitment to deploy zero emission fuel cell vehicles here in California. Perhaps most importantly, we are showing the future owners of this amazing technology that Toyota is helping to ensure that hydrogen refuelling will be available, no matter what car brand is on the hood.”
TMS also announced Linde plans to build a hydrogen fuelling station on TMS owned property in San Ramon, California, adjacent to the automaker’s San Francisco regional office and parts distribution centre. This would serve local and regional customers, and be an important connector site between the Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys and the San Francisco bay area.
“This is just a start, but it’s the first step in getting to the point in the near future where this technology will move into the mainstream,” said TMS.
