California’s Hydrogen Highway on Hold

California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger had hoped to build a “hydrogen highway” through California by 2010. The project consisted of a series of 100 hydrogen fueling stations that would have made hydrogen-powered vehicles a practical choice. However, the project has hit a stumbling block that leads many to believe that it will never be a reality.

Three of the current stations have recently closed, while three companies that received state funding to build the stations have decided not to go ahead. This leaves the current number of stations at only 23, a far cry from the 100 that were once anticipated.

It is unclear exactly why companies are shuttering or refusing to build hydrogen fueling stations. What is clear, however, is that the decision greatly impacts the immediate future of hydrogen vehicles in California. One of the unbuilt stations, for example, was to act as a hub for a fleet of Mercedes-Benz hydrogen cars that are to be leased in Northern California next year. One of the closed stations provided fuel for county buses.

However, project organizers are not ready to throw in the towel. Mary Nichols, chairperson of the California Air Resources Board, has described the current situation as a “hiccup” in the plan. Hydrogen highway advocates are going through existing contracts to determine whether companies who have been awarded funds are obligated to go ahead with building, even if the funds were not accepted.

Mercedes has long been a leader in green engineering, pioneering innovative methods of reducing the impact of vehicles on the world’s environment. Although the hydrogen highway issues may temporarily impact Mercedes’ ability to proceed with the Northern California test marketing, Mercedes will find a way to succeed.

In the meantime, stop by our local Mercedes-Benz dealership to learn more about the hydrogen cars and test drive an environmentally friendly Mercedes that is right for you. We have three locations: WestChester Mercedes, Mercedes Benz Ft Washington PA, and Mercedes of Wilmington.

[tags] hydrogen vehicles, new mercedes technology, green cars, hydrogen highway, mercedes-benz vehicles, hydrogen fueling, california hydrogen fuel, new vehicles in pennsylvania, green engineering, alternative fuels [/tags]

Filed Under: Mercedes-Benz Vehicles