Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) announced it is working with Ford Motor Company on a demonstration project to reduce commercial fleet emissions by developing a F-550 Super Duty Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Truck.

This collaboration is part of the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) SuperTruck 3 program, which aims to reduce emissions in medium and heavy-duty trucks. The utility's participation is another step toward its ASPIRE 2045 sustainability goals by working to replace 50% of its over-the-road fleet with clean fuel vehicles by 2025 and operate a 100% zero-emission fleet by 2035.

Ford will provide SoCalGas with a F-550 Super Duty Truck to evaluate the prototype truck's performance. SoCalGas was chosen to evaluate how the truck can meet the rigorous demands of utility work and because of its climate and geographical location. The demonstration project will also include a temporary hydrogen refueling station at SoCalGas' Bakersfield facility. The truck is expected to deploy in 2025.

This project represents an opportunity to decarbonize large fleets like utilities that require long ranges, fast refueling, onboard power needs, and 24/7 emergency response.

"The companies that drive our economy and especially our transportation sector must collaborate on developing innovative technologies as we make the transition to a cleaner tomorrow," said Josh Newman, state senator. "This groundbreaking project will not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector, but it also offers promise toward tackling America's current energy challenges."

SoCalGas will continue to work with partners on research, development, and demonstration projects in the areas of clean fuels, hydrogen technology, and infrastructure.

"We are honored to work with Ford on their strategy to help reduce emissions," said Neil Navin, VP of clean energy innovations at SoCalGas. "This project is a critical step toward finding real-world solutions to decarbonize heavy duty transportation such as our utility fleet with Ford's H2 Fuel Cell Electric F-550."