In response to the relentless wildfires plaguing the Los Angeles area, General Motors (GM) has rolled out innovative support measures for electric vehicle (EV) owners affected by the crisis. The American automotive giant has deployed three HYDROTEC mobile charging units capable of rapidly charging two EVs concurrently, utilizing fuel cells that convert hydrogen into electricity.

These mobile units, which are still in the pilot phase, represent a significant stride towards integrating renewable energy solutions in emergency scenarios. GM has not specified the exact power output of these chargers but emphasizes their capability to support fast charging with direct current (DC).

“GM is extending targeted local support to our customers and employees who have been impacted by the California wildfires,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president global commercial growth strategies and operations. “We’re finding ways to help get people back on the road and using our resources to make a difference in the recovery in the weeks and months to come.”

Among other steps, GM will provide mobile charging stations in targeted areas for people who no longer have access to their regular charging locations. From February 1 through April, GM will deploy three different mobile EV charging solutions across the L.A. metro region to aid those who have lost their homes (and home chargers). The project includes:

Three GM HYDROTEC mobile charging units, each capable of DC fast charging two EVs at once. Powered by renewable hydrogen, these chargers are in a pilot phase and haven’t yet been sold commercially. The HYDROTEC chargers are part of GM’s continued work on commercializing hydrogen energy technology.
Three Yoshi Mobility charging trailers, each capable of DC fast charging two EVs at once and powered by liquid propane. Yoshi is a Nashville, Tennessee-based mobile charging company funded in part by GM Ventures.
One InCharge Energy mobile charging station, which includes five DC fast chargers, powered by a combination of a battery energy storage system and biodiesel generator.

This deployment is part of a broader initiative by GM to provide practical assistance to EV owners during natural disasters, ensuring that mobility issues are minimized during such critical times. By integrating cutting-edge fuel cell technology and renewable hydrogen, GM not only helps affected communities but also advances the role of clean energy in emergency management.

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