This decision is attributed to ongoing hydrogen supply difficulties and broader market issues affecting service reliability. Andrew Beard, Shell's Vice President, expressed the company's stance, stating their action was "due to hydrogen supply complications and other external market factors."
California, often seen as a pioneer for hydrogen fuel accessibility in the United States, will feel the impact of this closure. The state boasts 55 hydrogen stations, with Shell operating seven of them. This development marks a setback for California's hydrogen car landscape.
The Hydrogen Fuel Cell Partnership has highlighted that the majority of stations in Southern California are either offline or working reduced hours. A report from Hydrogen Insight indicates that the hydrogen shortage has been disrupting station operations since August 13.
Iwatani, another leader in the American hydrogen filling station market, is currently embroiled in legal action against its technology provider, citing untested equipment and concealed defects.
Hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles have faced various challenges since the Honda FCX Clarity was introduced in 2008. High costs for fuel and infrastructure, along with reliability concerns, have hindered their adoption across the U.S.
Market observers note that even though used hydrogen cars are becoming more affordable, ongoing fueling problems make them less appealing to consumers. Shell's strategy has leaned towards inexpensive hydrogen production methods involving natural gas; however, consistent challenges have led them to reconsider investments in light-duty hydrogen infrastructure within the U.S.
Source: Hydrogen Insight
