Honda Celebrates Shell and HTEC’s First Retail Hydrogen Station in Canada
Today, Honda Canada celebrated Shell
and Hydrogen Technology & Energy Corporation (HTEC) at the launch of
Canada’s first retail hydrogen refueling station in Vancouver, British Columbia.
The station opening at 8686 Granville Avenue between Vancouver International
Airport and the downtown core which will support popularizing the benefits of hydrogen
powered vehicles. Honda Canada representatives were on hand to support the launch,
providing ride and drive opportunities for attendees in the Honda Clarity Fuel
Cell vehicle.
Shell, HTEC and Honda Canada believe hydrogen
fuel cell electric vehicles have the potential to be an important part of a
future low-carbon transport system and are excited to bring this technology to
the Canadian public.
“We applaud Shell and HTEC for their
work and investment toward building infrastructure needed to showcase the vast
potential of hydrogen fuel cell technology” said, Jean Marc Leclerc, Senior
Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Honda Canada Inc. “As we work toward a
shared vision of a carbon free society, we look forward to seeing that
infrastructure grow across the country.”
Having identified hydrogen as a potential solution to the
environmental issues faced by society, Honda began basic research on fuel cells
as early as the late 1980s. In 2002, Honda became the first automaker in the
world to receive approval by the U.S. government to sell fuel cell vehicles,
and began leasing them in the U.S. and Japan. In 2016, Honda reached an even
greater height with the next evolution of its fuel cell technologies with the
Clarity Fuel Cell vehicle.
The Clarity Fuel Cell can be used on a daily basis just like a
traditional gas-powered vehicle, providing as much driving enjoyment and with zero
emissions. Honda is stepping into a new era with the aim of popularizing fuel
cell vehicles and wants to create a movement towards a hydrogen society. The
foundational work done by Shell and HTEC today, along with the support of
government, to create the necessary infrastructure to popularize the potential
of hydrogen vehicles will help move us toward our vision of a carbon-free society.
