Honda Helping Hydrogen Network in California

Nov. 20, 2014

The support from Honda combined with anticipated future grants from the State of California could allow FirstElement to add at least 12 stations to its California Hydrogen Network.

Adrienne Selko

With help from Honda Motor Co. (IW 1000/29) the network of hydrogen stations could increase by more than 50%, to at least 31 stations.

The company announced on November 20 that will provide financial assistance to FirstElement Fuel Inc. to help develop and expand the California Hydrogen Network. Honda plans to retail a fuel cell car in 2016 and has advocated for a robust and comprehensive network of hydrogen

The support from Honda combined with anticipated future grants from the State of California could allow FirstElement to add at least 12 stations to its California Hydrogen Network.

“This is another extremely positive step forward for the advancement of fuel cell electric vehicles in the State of California,” said Joel Ewanick, CEO of FirstElement Fuel.

FirstElement received grants totaling over $27 million from the California Energy Commission, as well as substantial funding assistance from Toyota earlier this year to build a network of 19 stations around the state.

The state has a plan to invest $200 million dollars into hydrogen station development over the next several years. Additional state grants, combined with the Honda financing, could put FirstElement in a position to expand its network of stations by more than 50%, to at least 31 stations.

About the Author

Adrienne Selko | Senior Editor

Focus: Workforce, Talent

Follow Me on Twitter: @ASelkoIW

Bio: Adrienne Selko has written about many topics over the 17 years she has been with the publication and currently focuses on workforce development strategies. Previously Adrienne was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck? which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics and EHS Today.

Editorial mission statement: Manufacturing is the enviable position of creating products, processes and policies that solve the world’s problems. When the industry stepped up to manufacture what was necessary to combat the pandemic, it revealed its true nature. My goal is to showcase the sector’s ability to address a broad range of workforce issues including technology, training, diversity & inclusion, with a goal of enticing future generations to join this amazing sector.

Why I find manufacturing interesting: On my first day working for a company that made medical equipment such as MRIs, I toured the plant floor. On every wall was a photo of a person, mostly children. I asked my supervisor why this was the case and he said that the work we do at this company has saved these people’s lives. “We never forget how important our work is and everyone’s contribution to that.” From that moment on I was hooked on manufacturing.

I have talked with many people in this field who have transformed their own career development to assist others. For example, companies are hiring those with disabilities, those previously incarcerated and other talent pools that have been underutilized. I have talked with leaders who have brought out the best in their workforce, as well as employees doing their best work while doing good for the world.