Transforming Freight Transportation
May 9th, 2024 by Fiedler Group
The Launch of NorCAL ZERO Project by the Center for Transportation and the Environment and Hyundai Motor Company
Fiedler Group salutes the Center for Transportation and the Environment (CTE) and Hyundai Motor Company who reached a significant milestone in clean energy innovation with the launch of the NorCAL ZERO project. This groundbreaking initiative, celebrated at the FirstElement Hydrogen Fueling station in West Oakland, marks a pivotal moment in bringing zero-emission freight transportation to the Bay Area and Central Valley.
The NorCAL ZERO project, a collaborative effort totaling $54 million, aims to deploy 30 units of Hyundai Motor Company’s Class 8 XCIENT Fuel Cell electric trucks. These trucks, heralded as the world’s first mass-produced, heavy-duty trucks powered by hydrogen, symbolize a new era in sustainable transportation. Funding for the project is a testament to cross-sector collaboration that includes contributions from various entities such as CARB, CEC, Alameda CTC, BAAQMD, and project partners. This collaborative financing model underscores the shared commitment to achieving California’s clean air and climate goals.
West Oakland, historically overburdened by air pollution, will see real life health benefits through a reduction in diesel fuels. The project is predicted to mitigate 24,362 metric tons of carbon-dioxide emissions, equivalent to saving 2,393,124 gallons of diesel fuel over six years, thus improving public health and environmental quality in the region.
Operated by G.E.T. Freight, a subsidiary of Glovis America, the Hyundai trucks will serve in transporting goods from the Port of Oakland and cars from the Port of Richmond. The trucks refuel at a state-of-the-art liquid hydrogen fueling station operated by FirstElement Fuel, showcasing the necessary infrastructure for supporting large-scale adoption of hydrogen-powered vehicles. Fiedler Group providing engineering and permitting services for a state-of-the-art maintenance facility to contribute to continuity of infrastructure.
At the dedication event, notable figures including representatives from governmental bodies, private enterprises, and non-profit organizations lent their voices to the occasion, emphasizing the project’s significance in advancing both environmental stewardship and equitable access to cleaner transportation solutions.
The project’s significance extends beyond technological innovation; it serves as a blueprint for future deployments of zero-emission vehicles across the United States As the NorCAL ZERO project unfolds, it not only demonstrates the viability of hydrogen fuel cell technology but also sets a precedent for collaborative efforts in advancing clean energy solutions. With a commitment to cleaner air, healthier communities, and economic vitality, initiatives like NorCAL ZERO pave the way for a more sustainable future in freight transportation.
