Nikola to build heavy-duty hydrogen refueling stations in California

Nikola Corporation has secured a $41.9 million grant to build six heavy-duty hydrogen refueling stations across southern California (Photo: Nikola)

The California Transportation Commission (CTC) has awarded Nikola Corporation a $41.9 million grant to build six heavy-duty hydrogen refueling stations across southern California.

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) will partner with Nikola on the project as a sponsor to develop zero-emission vehicle freight technology across the state.

“Nikola is thrilled to receive this grant from the CTC,” said Carey Mendes, president of Nikola Energy. “This award, in collaboration with Caltrans, will allow us to accelerate the deployment of zero-emissions hydrogen refueling infrastructure, which is vital for the successful launch our hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks in July.”

According to Nikola, the six stations will be located strategically along California freight corridors within the South Coast Air Quality Management District, San Diego County Air Pollution Control District and Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District.

The hydrogen refueling stations are expected to have a significant impact on the region and its environment by:

• Improving communities by improving air quality and noise pollution
• Increasing refueling capacity, with each station able to facilitate approximately 80-100 trucks per day
• Getting the region ready for future infrastructure and the anticipated surge in the adoption of hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles

CTC allotted the grant, which emphasizes the stations be open access, under the Trade Corridor Enhancement Program, and the project will also support the California Statewide Truck Parking Study by maximizing the space for parking trucks at each hydrogen station.