Hempstead adds three hydrogen-powered cars

New pollution-free cars in the Town of Hempstead's fleet may make it a little easier for residents to breathe clean air.

Town Supervisor Kate Murray Tuesday introduced three zero- and low-emission, hydrogen-powered cars fueled at the town's evolving energy park in Point Lookout, billed as Long Island's first hydrogen fuel station.

"By powering up pollution-free vehicles, we're exploring the potential of hydrogen in reducing our dependence on fossil fuel, and we're helping pave the way for a healthier planet," said Murray, joined by representatives from National Grid, Toyota, the State Energy Research Development Authority and General Motors.

The two fuel-cell hybrid Toyota Highlanders and a Ford E450 shuttle bus that uses blended hydrogen and compressed natural gas are part of Hempstead's Clean Energy Project. The fleet already includes 68 electric, natural gas and hybrid vehicles.

The fuel station at 320 Lido Blvd. supplies pure hydrogen produced via electrolysis, a process that uses electricity to split the hydrogen and oxygen that make up water. The vehicles then convert the hydrogen into electricity via an electrochemical process. Each fill-up lasts about 140 miles, and the cost of a tankful hasn't been calculated.

The $2.2-million fueling station, which has been open since May, could provide nearly 26 pounds per day of hydrogen gas, which can fill about four vehicles daily.

"As we continue to seek ways to reduce our greenhouse-gas emissions in New York State, the use of hydrogen in our motor vehicles remains a promising technology" that his agency "strongly supports," said Francis J. Murray Jr., chief executive of the energy authority.

Toyota provided the two fuel-cell vehicles, valued at about $100,000, to demonstrate the viability of hydrogen fuel, town officials said. The Toyota vehicles convert hydrogen and oxygen to electricity with no emissions.

"The creation of hydrogen infrastructure is vital for automakers to successfully bring hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles to market," said Wade Hoyt, a Toyota spokesman.

The Department of Conservation and Waterways will use the two fuel-cell Highlanders. The shuttle bus, purchased through a $55,000 grant from National Grid, will be used for the town's Senior Enrichment program, officials said.