Air Liquide will build four hydrogen fueling stations in the Northeast that will be open to the public for consumers of zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs).

The stations are the first of 12 hydrogen stations planned by Air Liquide in collaboration with Toyota Motor Sales USA, Inc. for the Northeast, according to the company.

Initially, the network of hydrogen stations will span roughly 300 miles across five states and will support the introduction of hydrogen FCEVs on the East Coast. The stations are planned to open to the public by early 2017.

Air Liquide has entered long-term lease agreements for hydrogen stations in cities located in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York.

Hydrogen from Air Liquide will be produced off-site and delivered to the stations. The stations will be capable of fueling a hydrogen FCEV in approximately five minutes and will offer a typical vehicle fueling experience. The stations have the capacity to support other auto manufacturers as they bring hydrogen FCEVs into the region.

This initiative is the latest in the company's current hydrogen fuel cell energy activities across North America, which also includes public and private hydrogen stations in California and a number of fleet fueling projects for public buses and warehouse vehicles.

Air Liquide masters the entire hydrogen supply chain. More than 75 hydrogen fueling stations have been designed and installed by Air Liquide worldwide.