Nikola, FirstElement Fuel partner to advance hydrogen

FirstElement Fuel named authorized fueling solutions partner for Nikola Class 8 hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks.

Nikola Corporation and FirstElement Fuel (FEF) have formalized a definitive 10-year agreement to refuel Nikola’s hydrogen fuel cell electric truck at FEF’s hydrogen refueling station in California. This collaboration unifies their commitment to driving the widespread adoption of hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles.

Under this strategic partnership, FEF is appointed as an authorized Nikola Fueling Solutions Partner. This collaboration enables Nikola customers to access fueling services at the new FEF multi-use heavy-duty truck station situated strategically near the port in Oakland. The station anticipates a fueling capacity of approximately 200 trucks per day, and will boast the world’s first heavy-duty truck H70 fast-fill lane for efficient hydrogen refueling.

The station received funding from the California Energy Commission under the NorCal Zero Project. This agreement aligns seamlessly with Nikola’s initial truck launch strategy, concentrating on the deployment of its zero-emissions trucks in areas adjacent to Maritime Ports throughout Calif. and serves as the first of many partner stations to come.

“FirstElement is a recognized leader in hydrogen vehicle fueling in California, 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. With additional stations planned, this signifies a powerful synergy between Nikola and FEF, driving us towards a shared vision of a future with cleaner and more sustainable solutions,” said Nikola President of Energy, Joe Cappello. “

Nikola plans to utilize several paths to achieve a network of up to 60 stations in the coming years, including mobile and permanent HYLA branded stations, customer-owned stations, and new and established public truck stops via Nikola’s fueling station partner network.

Nikola’s broader strategy involves working with industry-leading partners to ensure a robust hydrogen supply chain, transport logistics, storage solutions, and dispensing locations.