California works to bolster hydrogen fuel infrastructure

State officials begin addressing hydrogen fuel infrastructure issue

Hydrogen fuel has established a strong foothold in the auto industry and most automakers have plans to launch hydrogen-powered vehicles within the coming years. While hydrogen has managed to find favor with several large companies and governments, infrastructure remains a problematic issue that could derail any progress hydrogen has made in the transportation sector. In California, infrastructure remains a top priority for the state’s clean transportation interests. Lawmakers have begun working with automakers in order to resolve the infrastructure problem.

State looks to streamline permitting process

California’s Office of Business and Economic Development has begun working with Toyota, Mercedes-Benz, Honda, Hyundai, Nissan, and General Motors in order to streamline the permitting process for new hydrogen fuel stations. The current permitting process has become cumbersome to the continued development of a comprehensive hydrogen fuel infrastructure in the state. The relatively slow process has kept many projects from making any significant progress and automakers are beginning to show concerns that California, one of the auto industry’s favored markets, may not have the infrastructure capable of supporting hydrogen-powered vehicles.

Infrastructure needed to support hydrogen-powered vehicles

By streamlining the permitting process, California officials believe that they can open the way for more hydrogen fuel stations to be built throughout the state. Most automakers have plans to release hydrogen-powered vehicles beginning in 2015 and a strong infrastructure is needed in order for these vehicles to be a success. Overhauling the permitting process is no small task, however, and may require some time before a new process can be firmly established.

California looks to make it easier to establish electric charging stations

California is not only working to make the process easier for a hydrogen fuel infrastructure to take form. Electric vehicles are quite popular throughout the state and also require an infrastructure in order for their success to continue growing. In streamlining the permitting process, California is also working to make it easier for new electric charging stations to take root throughout the state.