NorCAL ZERO: advancing sustainable freight in the United States
Published on June 18, 2025
2 minutes
A significant initiative is underway at the Port of Oakland in California, aiming to enhance sustainable freight transportation. Officially launched in 2024, the NorCAL ZERO project, a collaborative effort involving several industry leaders, including Air Liquide, is deploying a fleet of hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks for drayage operations, marking a notable step towards more emissions-conscious transportation. Find out more in video.
The project is built on the collective strengths of its partners: the Center for Transportation and the Environment (CTE), the global automotive manufacturer Hyundai, the hydrogen fueling infrastructure provider FirstElement Fuel, and Air Liquide. The Group provides liquid hydrogen sourced from its production facility in Nevada. This supply supports a new, high-capacity fueling station designed to serve a substantial number of trucks daily.
The adoption of hydrogen fuel cell trucks in drayage offers clear advantages, from both an environmental and operational perspective. These zero-emission vehicles contribute to better air quality in and around the Port of Oakland, directly benefiting local communities. For heavy-duty trucking, hydrogen vehicles provide practical benefits including a long range (over 400 miles) and efficient refueling, vital for the operational demands of drayage. The use of hydrogen itself offers inherent benefits such as high energy density. The NorCAL ZERO project demonstrates the reliability and operational readiness of hydrogen-powered vehicles in real-world settings, helping to progress the broader adoption of sustainable logistics solutions.
