Shell Canada and HTEC Hydrogen Technology & Energy Corporation (HTEC) are responding to increased demand from British Columbians for lower emission vehicles with the opening of their second hydrogen fuelling station in Burnaby, British Columbia (B.C.).New research conducted by Shell in collaboration with polling firm Ipsos indicates British Columbians are more likely than other Canadians to consider a low emission vehicle for their next purchase or lease.
“We know Canadians are increasingly looking for smart ways to reduce their carbon footprint,” says OIiver Bishop, General Manager of Hydrogen for Shell. “Shell is responsive to customer demands and we are excited to offer drivers of emission-free hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles another refueling option in B.C.”
One out of three British Columbians are planning to purchase or lease a new vehicle within the next two years, and residents in the province are more likely than other Canadians to consider a low emission vehicle for their next vehicle. (66% in B.C. vs. 34% – 46% across other provinces). Compared to gasoline and diesel engines, 66% of British Columbians would consider a low emission vehicle over other options.
This data reflects a broader attitude in the province, as 86% of British Columbians say switching to a hydrogen fuel vehicle is good for the environment. With sentiments such as this, Shell believes hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles have the potential to be an important part of a future low-carbon transport system in the province.
The Toyota Mirai is now available for purchase by fleet operators at authorized Mirai dealerships in Quebec and British Columbia. Toyota has been working with other hydrogen stakeholders across Canada to put in place the necessary fuelling infrastructure, training, and service to support the sale of FCEVs.
“Toyota believes achieving significant overall carbon reduction will require the advancement of multiple technologies, including hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles,” says Stephen Beatty, VP Corporate for Toyota Canada. “Bringing these technologies to market requires the development of new energy infrastructure, so today’s announcement represents another important step in this process.”
Shell and HTEC opened Canada’s first retail hydrogen refueling station in 2018 in Vancouver. Hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles convert hydrogen into electricity and produce only heat and water when driven. They offer an alternative to the conventional internal combustion engine, with a driving experience similar to battery electric vehicles with zero carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from their tailpipe. Hydrogen vehicles can drive up to 700 kilometers before being refueled in a few minutes at a standard station with a hydrogen dispenser.
“It’s as safe, quick, and convenient to fill up with hydrogen as with gasoline,” says Colin Armstrong, HTEC’s CEO. “Drivers of hydrogen-electric vehicles have clocked millions of miles and refueled hundreds of thousands of times at stations around the world. Here in B.C., HTEC is excited to be building fuelling infrastructure with partners like Shell. Together, we’re making hydrogen vehicles a practical and feasible zero-emission choice for consumers and supporting the growing fleet of vehicles rolling onto B.C. roads.”
Shell is investing in the development of new fuels, with the belief that all fuel and vehicle options will be required over the coming decades to reduce CO2 emissions and improve air quality while responding to changing customer needs and growing demand for transport.
HTEC “HTEC’s second station, in partnership with Shell, is now open at the corner of Willingdon and Canada Way in Burnaby
Shell’s official announcement also included results from a poll, conducted in partnership with Ipsos, to better understand Canadians’ knowledge, considerations, and attitudes towards low-emission vehicles, including hydrogen-electric vehicles.
Survey results indicated British Columbians are more likely than other Canadians to consider a low-emission vehicle for their next purchase or lease, with 86% of BC residents say switching to hydrogen fuel is good for the environment. As we build out the network, look for more cars, like the Toyota Mirai and the Hyundai Nexo, to roll onto the roads.”
Source: Shell and HTEC
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