FirstElement Fuel Recognized by Time Magazine as One of the World’s Most Influential Companies
FirstElement Fuel (FEF) has been recognized by Time Magazine as one of the world’s most influential companies, ranking 36th out of 250 selected based on criteria such as positive environmental impact, revenue, and innovative drive.
FEF is a leading provider of hydrogen refueling solutions, with 89 retail hydrogen dispensers strategically located throughout California. The company is also a Tier 1 Partner in the Hydrogen Hub initiative ARCHES, which was selected for a $1 billion award from the US Department of Energy.
“We are honored to be recognized by Time Magazine,” said Joel Ewanick, FEF Founder and Executive Chairman. “This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, who have overcome significant barriers and continue to break records as the world leader in hydrogen refueling solutions.”
FEF’s Mission and Accomplishments
FEF’s goal remains the same as its founding in 2013: To foster the widespread adoption of fuel cell vehicles, improve the economics of driving, reduce harmful emissions, and change the automotive industry and the world.
FEF has achieved its leading position in the hydrogen refueling space in part because its headquarters and base of operations are in California. The company’s branded 89 hydrogen dispensers are strategically located throughout the state, from San Diego to Sacramento, throughout the Bay Area and the Central Valley, with locations in between to provide connectivity.
One of the ways FEF is helping realize its mission, as well as climate goals, is by exclusively dispensing hydrogen that is certified net-zero carbon across its entire lifecycle at every one of its hydrogen refueling stations (HRS).
“FEF is a leader in the hydrogen refueling space,” said Ken Alex, Senior Advisor for Clean Infrastructure and Mobility at the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development. “The company’s efforts are helping to make California a leader in the transition to a clean energy economy.”
FEF’s many accomplishments and contributions to the hydrogen refueling space include the design and deployment of the world’s first high-capacity HRS capable of refueling 4 vehicles simultaneously; best-in-class performance and availability of HRS; and next month the company will open the world’s largest heavy-duty truck HRS with the capability of refueling heavy-duty, medium-duty, and light-duty vehicle classes. The HRS is part of a public and private partnership titled NorCAL ZERO, which was jointly funded by the California Energy Commission (CEC) and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and is being managed by the Center for Transportation and the Environment (CTE).
FEF designed the station with a unique architecture, making it the first station in the world capable of conducting 700 bar, simultaneous, fast fills (i.e., delivering 80 kilograms of hydrogen in under 10 minutes) on up to 200 trucks per day.
FEF’s Technology Leadership
FEF’s technology leadership on HRS and downstream hydrogen systems has also generated extensive proprietary know-how, including 10 patents awarded or pending for technologies that, to name a few examples, have enabled multiple vehicles to refuel simultaneously from one set of equipment, automated the offload of hydrogen during deliveries for improved safety and efficiency, and reduced refueling times of hydrogen-powered heavy-duty trucks.
About FirstElement Fuel
FirstElement Fuel Inc is a California-based company established in 2013 to provide safe, reliable, retail hydrogen to customers of fuel cell electric vehicles. The company is the leading hydrogen refueling station provider in California and the world, with facilities in the United States, Canada, and Europe.
FEF has 89 retail hydrogen dispensers at 40 locations throughout California and is developing a network of stations to serve Heavy Duty Trucks powered by hydrogen, starting with the first-ever high-flow refueling station in the United States as part of the NorCal Zero project with the California Air Resources Board and the California Energy Commission.
Over the past 10 years since the FEF’s founding the company has received government grant funding from the California Energy Commission, the South Coast Air Quality Management District, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, and the Sacramento Municipal Air Quality Management District. Private funding has been provided by Mitsui & Co, Air Water Inc., Honda Motor Company, Toyota Motor Corporation, Air Liquide, MUFG, the Japan Bank of International Cooperation, and Nikisso Company.
Learn about FirstElement Fuel Inc. at https://www.firstelementfuel.com/
Learn about our True Zero Network at https://www.firstelementfuel.com/true-zero/
All of the hydrogen dispensed by FirstElement Fuel is certified with zero carbon intensity by the California Air Resources Board on well-to-wheels basis.
