US Hybrid and Public Hydrogen Authority Partner to Boost Hydrogen Vehicle Production in California
On August 25, 2026, US Hybrid Corp. and the First Public Hydrogen Authority (FPH₂) made a landmark announcement about a new public-private partnership aimed at advancing California's hydrogen-powered transportation market. The partnership will see US Hybrid establish its headquarters and manufacturing operations in Lancaster, California, while FPH₂—a pioneering public hydrogen authority—will supply the necessary hydrogen to fuel these vehicles. This initiative marks a significant commitment to hydrogen mobility within the state and addresses vital challenges in the hydrogen supply chain by ensuring vehicle production is complemented by a reliable fuel supply.
US Hybrid, a trusted name in developing hydrogen and electric propulsion systems since 1999, plans to manufacture hydrogen buses and trucks at its new facility in Lancaster, as well as convert existing fleets to hydrogen fuel-cell systems. This repower strategy is expected to extend the service life of currently operational vehicles, paving the way for an increased adoption of cleaner transport options as California progresses towards its Zero-Emission Vehicle goals. With the upcoming operations slated to launch in 2027, the Lancaster headquarters is anticipated to create about 1,200 skilled jobs, bolstering the local workforce.
“More than just vehicles, we are building an entire ecosystem,” asserts Jason Lucas, President of US Hybrid. “This involves everything from hydrogen production to the fleets that operate using it, alongside the dedicated workforce that California will need to maintain these systems over decades. Our collaboration with FPH₂ is essential for this vision to become a reality, and Lancaster is the perfect location for this integration.”
First Public Hydrogen was established to facilitate the connection between hydrogen producers and the public entities, transit agencies, and businesses that are eager to utilize hydrogen-based solutions. The authority acts as a vital intermediary, securing hydrogen supplies on behalf of its members and customers, while also lowering the barriers for participation in the hydrogen economy. Initially founded by the City of Lancaster and the City of Industry, FPH₂ has rapidly expanded its membership to include several other cities, establishing itself as a key player in California’s transition to hydrogen.
For Lancaster, this partnership serves as a prime example of the impact of effective economic development strategies, introducing a corporate headquarters, a dedicated production line, and the creation of skilled jobs within the community. US Hybrid is committed to recruiting locals, collaborating with workforce development initiatives and educational institutions in the Antelope Valley to ensure that residents are trained for the jobs that will arise from the new operation.
LPH₂'s Chairman and Lancaster Mayor, R. Rex Parris, expressed confidence in the partnership, labeling it as the model that the authority was designed to demonstrate. “US Hybrid is dedicated to manufacturing vehicles and creating jobs, while we ensure a reliable hydrogen fuel supply. Lancaster is where these elements converge—providing not only an operational site but also a prepared workforce. This collaborative effort offers a straightforward solution to the dual challenges of achieving zero emissions—access to both vehicles and the necessary clean fuel.”
The partnership's implications extend to the Los Angeles and Long Beach ports, where US Hybrid has already deployed equipment, aiming to transition cargo-handling machinery and drayage trucks to zero emissions over the next decade. This is particularly crucial in light of the high levels of air pollution affecting communities near these busy ports.
As Mark Jurisic from ILWU Local 13 pointed out, “Longshore workers are directly exposed to exhaust emissions during their shifts, and neighborhoods near the ports deal with the harmful air quality every day. Achieving the clean air goals set for the ports requires zero-emission machinery that is capable of performing the necessary tasks without putting jobs at risk.”
The unveiling of this partnership is merely the first step; both US Hybrid and FPH₂ are already making strides toward future developments. US Hybrid is setting up its headquarters and production facilities in Lancaster, while FPH₂ continues to solidify its hydrogen supply chains to fuel the newly manufactured vehicles. With the city of Lancaster firming up sites and preparing its workforce, the three entities are poised to validate the concept that when vehicle production, fuel supply, and location align, hydrogen solutions are feasible and effective.
Public agencies interested in joining FPH₂ can learn more about membership options at firstpublich2.com, while fleet operators wanting to explore hydrogen vehicles and conversion possibilities can visit us-hybrid.com for additional information.
US Hybrid, a trusted name in developing hydrogen and electric propulsion systems since 1999, plans to manufacture hydrogen buses and trucks at its new facility in Lancaster, as well as convert existing fleets to hydrogen fuel-cell systems. This repower strategy is expected to extend the service life of currently operational vehicles, paving the way for an increased adoption of cleaner transport options as California progresses towards its Zero-Emission Vehicle goals. With the upcoming operations slated to launch in 2027, the Lancaster headquarters is anticipated to create about 1,200 skilled jobs, bolstering the local workforce.
“More than just vehicles, we are building an entire ecosystem,” asserts Jason Lucas, President of US Hybrid. “This involves everything from hydrogen production to the fleets that operate using it, alongside the dedicated workforce that California will need to maintain these systems over decades. Our collaboration with FPH₂ is essential for this vision to become a reality, and Lancaster is the perfect location for this integration.”
First Public Hydrogen was established to facilitate the connection between hydrogen producers and the public entities, transit agencies, and businesses that are eager to utilize hydrogen-based solutions. The authority acts as a vital intermediary, securing hydrogen supplies on behalf of its members and customers, while also lowering the barriers for participation in the hydrogen economy. Initially founded by the City of Lancaster and the City of Industry, FPH₂ has rapidly expanded its membership to include several other cities, establishing itself as a key player in California’s transition to hydrogen.
For Lancaster, this partnership serves as a prime example of the impact of effective economic development strategies, introducing a corporate headquarters, a dedicated production line, and the creation of skilled jobs within the community. US Hybrid is committed to recruiting locals, collaborating with workforce development initiatives and educational institutions in the Antelope Valley to ensure that residents are trained for the jobs that will arise from the new operation.
LPH₂'s Chairman and Lancaster Mayor, R. Rex Parris, expressed confidence in the partnership, labeling it as the model that the authority was designed to demonstrate. “US Hybrid is dedicated to manufacturing vehicles and creating jobs, while we ensure a reliable hydrogen fuel supply. Lancaster is where these elements converge—providing not only an operational site but also a prepared workforce. This collaborative effort offers a straightforward solution to the dual challenges of achieving zero emissions—access to both vehicles and the necessary clean fuel.”
The partnership's implications extend to the Los Angeles and Long Beach ports, where US Hybrid has already deployed equipment, aiming to transition cargo-handling machinery and drayage trucks to zero emissions over the next decade. This is particularly crucial in light of the high levels of air pollution affecting communities near these busy ports.
As Mark Jurisic from ILWU Local 13 pointed out, “Longshore workers are directly exposed to exhaust emissions during their shifts, and neighborhoods near the ports deal with the harmful air quality every day. Achieving the clean air goals set for the ports requires zero-emission machinery that is capable of performing the necessary tasks without putting jobs at risk.”
The unveiling of this partnership is merely the first step; both US Hybrid and FPH₂ are already making strides toward future developments. US Hybrid is setting up its headquarters and production facilities in Lancaster, while FPH₂ continues to solidify its hydrogen supply chains to fuel the newly manufactured vehicles. With the city of Lancaster firming up sites and preparing its workforce, the three entities are poised to validate the concept that when vehicle production, fuel supply, and location align, hydrogen solutions are feasible and effective.
Public agencies interested in joining FPH₂ can learn more about membership options at firstpublich2.com, while fleet operators wanting to explore hydrogen vehicles and conversion possibilities can visit us-hybrid.com for additional information.
Topics Auto & Transportation）
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