Publicly Accessible Hydrogen Fueling Station Unveiled In Diamond Bar
The South Coast Air Quality Management opened the largest Hydrogen Fueling station in the state. The Diamond facility has the ability to fill 20-25 Hydrogen fueled cars a day. Toyota, Honda, Hyundai and Mercedes showcased the newest car models that run entirely on this alternative fuel.
"This will give a longer driving range and a greater option for people buying these particular vehicles," said Dr. Clark E. Parker, Sr. a SCAQMD Governing Board Member.
Experts report the average Hydrogen fueled cars get up to 270 miles on a full tank. The Diamond Bar station is the first to allow drivers to pay with their credit card directly at the pump.
"What we're here to do is to show 'zero emission cars' are safe. To prove its safe to use and also easy to refuel a car," said Michael Archibong a member of the Golden State EPC.
Funded in part by the California Energy Commission, Commissoner Jeana A. Scott says this is the first station of 50 that will be opening in California this year.
"They [drivers] need places to fill up first, so that's why we do the fueling stations first and the vehicles right behind," said Scott.
Scott added Governor Brown has pledged to put 1 million zero emission cars on the road by 2020.
The State of California requires that 33% of the hydrogen begin sold at all publicly funded stations must come from renewable sources (splitting water using solar or wind, biomass like agricultural waste or sewage). That rule will eventually extend to all hydrogen fueling stations once we reach a specific statewide level. Even when you consider the hydrogen that comes from natural gas, it produces a carbon footprint that is less than half that of gasoline's. Just like electricity, there is a commitment and pathway to renewables for hydrogen fuel.