Oakland's port is now home to a futuristic fleet of hydrogen-powered trucks, driving forward California's commitment to clean, sustainable transportation. The NorCal ZERO project, marked by the inauguration of a new hydrogen fueling station, represents a hefty $53 million investment featuring 30 Hyundai XCIENT Class 8 fuel cell electric trucks (FCETs) designed to conquer Northern California's roads with zero emissions.
In a statement obtained by the Port of Oakland, the Port's Executive Director Danny Wan celebrated the project's dedication, "The Port of Oakland is pleased to be a part of this innovative, clean energy project that puts Oakland at the forefront of addressing global climate change." These trucks boast an impressive 400-mile range on a single hydrogen fill, bolstering the region's green credentials and paving the way for a zero-emissions seaport. Community leaders, stakeholders, and supporters congregated for the project's official dedication at a facility adjacent to the East Bay Municipal Utility District.
According to the Port of Oakland's announcement, logistics firm G.E.T. Freight, a division of Glovis America, will be operating the innovative Hyundai trucks. These rigs are refueling at the recently built hydrogen station—a FirstElement Fuel establishment—with enough juice to power over 200 trucks daily. The station's setup underscores a significant leap toward California's ambitious clean energy targets.
The project garners its financial backbone from various sources, including $11.98 million from the California Air Resources Board’s California Climate Investments Program and $9.89 million from the California Energy Commission's Clean Transportation Program. Oakland City Councilmember Rebecca Kaplan took the helm as emcee during the event, highlighting regional and state officials' commitment to an eco-friendly transportation landscape.
Ensuring these high-tech trucks' smooth operation and maintenance falls to Papé Trucks in San Leandro, equipped with Hyundai's expertise to handle what's under the hood safely and effectively. Alongside the project's engineering muscle, UC Berkeley and the West Oakland Environmental Indicators Project are engaging in community outreach and data collection to further strengthen the initiative's foundation and its resonance with the people it serves.
