The hydrogen sold at True Zero stations today to re-fuel fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) gets transported in from facilities producing hydrogen for industrial uses. Two-thirds of this hydrogen is derived from fossil fuels, such as natural gas. But one- third, in keeping with California state law, comes from renewable sources such as bio-mass.

How does hydrogen actually push a vehicle down the road? An FCEV is similar to a gasoline hybrid vehicle, except that the gasoline tank is replaced with a hydrogen tank, and the engine is replaced with a fuel cell.  The hydrogen that comes from a True Zero dispenser flows to carbon-fiber fuel tanks on the vehicle. The front grille on the vehicle lets in outside air to the fuel-cell stack under the hood. Hydrogen travels from the tanks to the fuel cell, where a chemical reaction with oxygen from the air creates electricity.  In turn, this electrical energy is used directly to power electric motors driving the wheels or stored in a modest battery for later use.