Shell Hydrogen has announced the permanent closure of all seven of its California pumping stations with immediate effect. This decision marks the end of Shell’s operation of light-duty hydrogen stations in the United States, dealing a significant blow to the struggling hydrogen car market in California – the only state where the fuel is widely available.
The news was first reported by Hydrogen Insight. Shell had been operating seven out of the 55 total retail hydrogen stations in California, according to the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Partnership (H2FCP), making this development disappointing for the small hydrogen community.
Get Fully Charged
Hydrogen Is Stalling Out
Car manufacturers and gas giants have long touted hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles as an alternative to battery electric vehicles. While the technology shows promise for commercial trucking and heavy-duty applications, it has failed to gain traction in the light-duty market in the United States.
Shell Hydrogen Vice President Andrew Beard cited “hydrogen supply complications and other external market factors” as the reasons for the closure in the announcement letter. This underscores the challenges faced by owners of Toyota Mirai, Hyundai Nexo, and Honda Clarity Fuel Cell vehicles, as the closure worsens an already arduous situation.
The second-generation Mirai looks great. But unless you live in Southern California or the Bay Area, you won’t be able to buy fuel for it.