The SmartFuel stations are to be located in Los Angeles, Santa Monica and Irvine, and join three sites which are already active. Six stations funded by California Energy Commission grants are under construction, and the company is providing technology to 19 sites run by FirstElement Fuel. There are a further 12 active for forklift trucks in the state.

Air Products is also rolling out charging points in the UK, and was responsible for the first at Sainsbury's in Hendon, North Lodnon, last October.

Ed Kiczek, global business director – hydrogen energy systems at Air Products, said: "We are pleased with the progress we have been making in commercializing these stations as the planned vehicle rollout is set to begin, and believe the public will find the hydrogen fueling process very similar to filling a vehicle with traditional fuels."