Shell, Toyota forge deal on hydrogen

Royal Dutch Shell PLC will build seven fueling stations for hydrogen cars in California through a partnership with Toyota Motor Corp.

The stations will nudge the state closer to its goal of having 100 retail sites by 2024 where hydrogen fuel- cell vehicles can fill up. The California Energy Commission is considering $ 16.4 million in grants toward the stations, with Shell and Toyota contributing $ 11.4 million.

The Shell- Toyota partnership “shows there’s a lot of interest and that the hydrogen market is poised to move forward rapidly,” said Janea Scott, a member of the California commission.

Toyota plans to rely on hydrogen to all but rid its lineup of traditional- engine models by 2050. The lack of refueling infrastructure is a major hurdle to zero- emission cars catching on with consumers — California has just 25 stations right now.

Shell already operates six hydrogen stations — four in Germany and two in the Los Angeles area — and will open a seventh near London’s Heathrow Airport later this month.