Nikola has opened its first Hyla hydrogen refueling station in Southern California. Featuring an advanced modular fueler, the station in Ontario will be capable of fueling up to 40 Nikola hydrogen fuel cell electric Class 8 trucks daily, the company said.

The Ontario station, according to the company, is part of a strategic plan to establish up to 60 hydrogen refueling solutions in the coming years, with nine planned to be in place by the close of the second quarter of 2024.

The company said it will provide 24/7 support with on-site "Hyla ambassadors" and operation technicians.

Nikola launched the Hyla brand a year ago when it unveiled the production version of the fuel-cell-electric Nikola Tre, a global brand devoted to procuring, producing, distributing and dispensing hydrogen to fuel its zero-emissions trucks — and those of other OEMs.

“Easing the transition to a zero-emission trucking future and prioritizing access to a hydrogen solution network is our top objective and we’re just getting started,” said President of Energy Ole Hoefelmann.

“Once the nine planned solutions are in place by mid-2024, Nikola will have established one of the world's largest heavy-duty hydrogen refueling networks, providing customers accessibility at their current locations and along their planned routes.”

The Hyla refueling solutions network will offer Nikola hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicles and other Class 8 customers flexible refueling options, including modular and permanent Hyla stations, customer-owned facilities, and partnerships with public truck stops.

Part of this network includes the recently announced 10-year agreement with FirstElement Fuel for a hydrogen refueling station in Oakland, California.