Nikola Corporation announced that the California Transportation Commission (CTC) has awarded Nikola and sponsor California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), a $41.9-MM grant under the Trade Corridor Enhancement Program (TCEP) to build six heavy-duty H₂ refueling stations across Southern California.

Caltrans sponsored the application and will work in partnership with Nikola to deploy the tranche of six H₂ refueling stations. This project furthers Caltrans’ zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) strategy to incentivize and support the development and adoption of ZEV freight technology across the state and supports the California Statewide Truck Parking Study through the provision of a safe place for truck drivers to park.

These six strategically located H₂ refueling stations will be located along California (U.S.) freight corridors within the South Coast Air Quality Management District, San Diego County Air Pollution Control District, and Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District, and are expected to have a significant impact on the region and the environment, enabling improved community health and avoiding carbon emissions. Each H₂ refueling station will be designed to support and scale up over time with the growth of heavy-duty H₂ refueling needs while attempting to maximize truck parking at each site. Other planned outcomes may include:

• Improved community health. The deployment of these stations is expected to result in air quality improvements. Additionally, it is anticipated that local noise pollution will be reduced.
• Increased refueling capability. Each H₂ refueling station is intended to facilitate refueling for approximately 80 to 100 trucks per station per day.
• Future-ready infrastructure. Nikola’s zero-emissions infrastructure is expected to be established in advance of the anticipated surge in adoption of Nikola’s H₂ fuel cell electric vehicles, demonstrating the company’s commitment to sustainable transportation solutions.

“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 H₂ refueling infrastructure, which is vital for the successful launch our H₂ fuel cell electric trucks in July.”