In April 1999, the California Fuel Cell Partnership set out to explore and facilitate the path to commercialization and increase awareness of fuel cells for transportation. Since then, the partnership has made significant progress demonstrating fuel cell vehicle technology and fuel alternatives. The next phase will span the years 2008 to 2012, a period that one CaFCP member calls “the rehearsal for commercial.” More fuel cell passenger cars and buses will be on the roads in Northern and Southern California, fueling at networks of hydrogen stations

Through 2012, the organization will work together to move fuel cell technology to the next level by accomplishing following goals:

• Identify and address market opportunities and challenges.
  
  
• Promote a safe, customer-friendly refueling experience.
  
  
• Work toward a common fuel delivery architecture.
  
  
• Provide information and hands-on experience.

Fuel cell vehicles and hydrogen fuel provide a sustainable transportation choice for the future. By offering zero-tailpipe emissions, fuel cell cars and buses can significantly reduce local air pollutants and greenhouse gases, improve air quality and protect against climate change. Since hydrogen can be made from a diverse mix of traditional and renewable energy sources, energy security can dramatically increase in California and across the nation.

As we build a market foundation, CaFCP members will continue to improve vehicle driving range, fuel cell durability and station access. The future challenge is to make the fuel infrastructure sustainable by producing hydrogen from renewable sources and maximizing efficiency through energy stations that produce stationary heat and power. CaFCP members are committed to building vehicles and an infrastructure that will offer energy independence.