Nikola and FirstElement Fuel (FEF), a leading provider of hydrogen refueling solutions, have formalised a 10-year agreement to facilitate the refueling of Nikola’s hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks at FEF’s hydrogen refueling station in Oakland, California.
Under the terms of this strategic partnership, FEF is designated as an authorised Nikola Fueling Solutions Partner. This agreement allows Nikola customers to access fueling services at FEF’s new multi-use heavy-duty truck station strategically located near the port in Oakland. The station, funded by the California Energy Commission under the NorCal Zero Project, is designed to accommodate approximately 200 trucks per day and features the world’s first heavy-duty truck H70 fast-fill lane for efficient Hydrogen refueling. It aligns with Nikola’s initial truck launch strategy, focusing on deploying zero-emissions trucks in areas adjacent to Maritime Ports throughout California and serves as the first of many partner stations planned.
“FirstElement is a recognised leader in hydrogen vehicle fueling in California,” said Nikola President of Energy, Joe Cappello, ”and the Nikola team is inspired by the immense possibilities created by this agreement. Our customers now have access to fuel at FEF’s first heavy-duty site in Oakland, California, marking a powerful synergy between Nikola and FEF, driving us towards a shared vision of a future with cleaner and more sustainable solutions.”
Commenting on the collaboration Joel Ewanick, Founder and Executive Chairman of FEF, said: “This collaboration is a testament to our commitment to transform the transportation industry, and we are proud to play a role in powering Nikola’s innovative hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks. We are confident the synergy between our shared expertise and vision will help to reshape the landscape of clean and sustainable transportation, driving towards a future powered by hydrogen.”
FEF is actively installing hydrogen refueling stations capable of fast-filling for Class 8 trucks. This collaboration with Nikola will accelerate FEF’s commitment to building hydrogen infrastructure to serve transportation hubs where clean solutions are imperative.
Looking ahead, Nikola plans to develop a series of new hydrogen fueling locations, under its own brand name HYLA throughout Southern California in the coming months, followed by Northern California. These stations, along with a network of hydrogen fueling solution partners, aim to facilitate the adoption of hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks and contribute to the decarbonisation of transportation.
