Hydrogen-fueled Fleets for Business

Hydrogen

Transportation is the largest contributor of greenhouse gas emissions in California, but hydrogen is a carbon-free fuel that can replace traditional fuels like gasoline and diesel in cars, trucks, buses, and even ships.  

Hydrogen is a clean form of energy. When passed through a fuel cell, hydrogen generates electricity and heat with no related emissions. This is why hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are classified as Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs) and are allowable under the California Air Resources Board (CARB) Advanced Clean Fleet (ACF) program.

How It Works

A fueling pump dispenses gaseous hydrogen to the truck’s specially designed hydrogen storage tank.  

H2 fuel cell engine

Stored hydrogen enters a fuel cell, which converts chemical energy into electricity.  

Electricity derived from the hydrogen fuel powers vehicles, resulting in zero emissions 

Benefits

  • Both battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles are considered Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEVs) and meet CARB Advanced Clean Fleet (ACF) compliance requirements.   

  • FCEV show advantages over BEVs for fleets that transport heavy loads over long distances. 

    • Shorter refueling time compared to charging

    • Lowers well-to-wheel emissions

    • Capacity to carry heavier loads

    • More cost competitive in the long term

  • Via the US Department of Energy Hydrogen Hub program, California is poised to receive up to $1.2 BN in federal funding plus billions more in private investment over the next several years to develop hydrogen infrastructure in the state. 

Hydrogen Fueling in Our Region  

  • There are currently two dedicated public FCEV fueling stations in San Diego Gas & Electric service territory, but they only service light duty vehicles. No public heavy duty hydrogen fueling stations currently exist in our region.  
  • Private and temporary hydrogen fueling stations are filling the gap in the short term. 

Learn More: Are Hydrogen Vehicles Right for Your Business? 

To make the best decision for your business, you must consider the types of vehicles you need, your fleet operating and infrastructure requirements, and costs. Learn more with our resource: “Is Hydrogen Right for My Fleet?”  

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Hydrogen 101 for Fleets
Hydrogen 101 for Fleets

Frequently Asked Questions

Hydrogen can be handled and used safely with appropriate sensing, handling, and engineering measures. It is safely used and managed around the world. Ten million metric tons of hydrogen are safely produced and consumed in the United States every year. 

Funding is available for vehicle procurement, infrastructure installations, and regularly operating eligible clean vehicles. You can use the Funding Finder Tool to search for programs supporting the purchase and adoption of clean technology. 

Common funding pathways for FCEV fleet owners and operators include: 

  • EnergIIze - EnergIIZE (Energy Infrastructure Incentives for Zero-Emission Commercial Vehicles) is the nation’s first commercial vehicle fleet infrastructure incentive project. Funded by the California Energy Commission Clean Transportation Program, FCEV fleet owners and operators can receive up to $3MM in funding for infrastructure. Applications are accepted on a quarterly basis. Visit http://www.energiize.org/ for program details.  

  • HVIP - HVIP (Hybrid and Zero – Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project) accelerates commercialization by providing point-of-sale vouchers to make advanced vehicles more affordable. HVIP is funded by the California Air Resources Board (CARB).  

  • LCFS credits: Receive a credit for every ton off-set by driving electric, switching from traditional fuels to hydrogen. Credits are subject to market fluctuations.  

View list of funding opportunities within SDG&E service territories.

Additional Resources

Are you interested in hydrogen fueling?  

Join our interest list if you are interested in having SDG&E provide you with hydrogen fuel in the future.