California has more hydrogen stations than any other region in the world, but most were built for research and development, or as part of DOE’s Technology Validation Program. Many of these stations are behind a fence, have limited hours of operation or are not available to all automakers.

That’s changing. As fuel cell vehicles approach commercialization, hydrogen stations must be retail ready, which CaFCP defines as offering:

• Retail customer experience—similar to existing gasoline/diesel/E85 stations, including reasonably priced hydrogen, no fueling agreements and locations near home or work.
• Right sized and ready for growth—capable of supplying at least 100 kilograms of hydrogen a day to provide sufficient fuel for the first customers and maximize throughput for the retailer. Stations should be expandable.
• Retail-oriented technology—the latest technology for dispensing hydrogen fuel, meeting current codes, standards and guidelines

Hydrogen stations are not all alike. Different designs and technology give stations the flexibility of using local resources, making best use of available land and meet the needs of the community. Click each of the pictures below to learn more about stations.