Nikola Corporation via the HYLA brand, and FirstElement Fuel (FEF) have formalized a definitive 10-yr agreement to refuel Nikola’s H₂ fuel cell electric truck at FEF’s H₂ refueling station in Oakland, California. This collaboration unifies their commitment to driving the widespread adoption of H₂ fuel cell electric vehicles and marks a significant step towards a greener and more sustainable tomorrow.

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, Calif. The station, which uses FEF’s proprietary design, 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 H₂ 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 H₂ vehicle fueling in California, and the Nikola team is inspired by the immense possibilities created by this agreement,” said Nikola President of Energy, Joe Cappello. “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.”

The Oakland station’s fast-fill lane is a prime example of the synergies between Nikola’s advanced truck technology as well as FEF’s station capabilities and demonstrates Nikola’s commitment to enabling the adoption of H₂ fuel cell electric vehicles in Northern Calif. 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. Two fueling solutions locations are slated by the end of 2023 — one HYLA branded fueling station in Ontario, Calif. and the FEF Oakland location. Several additional fueling solutions locations are planned by the close of Q2 2024.

Nikola’s broader strategy involves working with industry-leading partners to ensure a robust H₂ supply chain, transport logistics, storage solutions and dispensing locations. As Nikola previously announced, enough energy offtake has been secured to support customer operations through the beginning of 2024. The team is actively working to secure additional H₂ offtake for future sales while continuing to develop the refueling ecosystem.

“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 H₂ fuel cell electric trucks,” said Joel Ewanick, Founder and Executive Chairman of FEF. “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 H₂.”