Toyota Invests in FirstElement Fuel to Strengthen U.S. Hydrogen Infrastructure

Toyota Motor North America announced an investment in FirstElement Fuel to support hydrogen refueling infrastructure for FCEVs in the U.S. Read the details.

Toyota Motor North America has announced a strategic investment in FirstElement Fuel, the largest retail hydrogen fueling infrastructure provider in California. The move is aimed at strengthening hydrogen refueling availability for fuel cell electric vehicles and supporting both current and future FCEV drivers across the United States.

FirstElement Fuel operates the most extensive hydrogen refueling network in California, with 92 retail fueling positions across 38 locations. This infrastructure already plays a critical role in daily FCEV operations in the state, which remains the primary U.S. market for hydrogen-powered passenger vehicles.

Toyota emphasizes that the investment is focused on practical outcomes. Reliable and accessible refueling is viewed as a necessary condition for the long-term viability of fuel cell vehicles, not only for private users but also for broader applications in future mobility.

The initiative is closely linked to the work of Toyota Hydrogen Headquarters, the company’s North American center for hydrogen technology development based in California. Through H2HQ, Toyota coordinates research, engineering, and commercialization efforts related to fuel cell systems.

The investment also aligns with the broader policy landscape in the United States, where federal programs such as the Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs initiative highlight the importance of developing end-use infrastructure alongside hydrogen production and distribution. In this context, Toyota’s involvement in retail fueling infrastructure addresses one of the key structural challenges facing hydrogen mobility.

While the financial terms of the investment were not disclosed, Toyota positions the partnership with FirstElement Fuel as a long-term commitment. The company signals that building a stable refueling network is essential for the sustained presence and future growth of fuel cell electric vehicles in the U.S. market.