Nikola bags $41.9 mn grant for six hydrogen refueling stations for heavy trucks

Nikola Corporation's hydrogen energy brand 'Hyla' has announced that the California Transportation Commission (CTC) has awarded Nikola and sponsor California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) a $41.9 million grant under the Trade Corridor Enhancement Program (TCEP) to build six heavy-duty hydrogen refueling stations across Southern California. 

The six strategically located hydrogen refueling stations will be located along Californian freight corridors within the South Coast Air Quality Management District, San Diego County Air Pollution Control District, and Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District. They are expected to have a significant impact on the region and the environment, enabling improved community health and avoiding carbon emissions, the company claims. 

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"Nikola is thrilled to receive this grant from the CTC," said Carey Mendes, President, 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."

Each hydrogen refueling station will be designed to support and scale up over time with the growth of heavy-duty hydrogen refueling needs while attempting to maximize truck parking at each site. The stations are intended to facilitate refueling for approximately 80 to 100 trucks per station per day.

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Caltrans is sponsoring the application, and will work in partnership with Nikola to deploy the tranche of six hydrogen refueling stations. Caltrans' zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) strategy supports the development and adoption of ZEV freight technology across the state. 

The latest grant further places a strong emphasis on open access stations. Nikola claims that its hydrogen refueling stations will align with this approach, ultimately advancing the adoption of all hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles in the region.