Cal State LA to host first public demonstration of RockeTruck’s hydrogen fuel cell-powered mobile generator

Cal State LA will host the first public unveiling of RockeTruck Inc.'s new Mobile Fuel Cell Generator (MFCG) on Wednesday, October 29, at the university's Hydrogen Research and Fueling Facility (HRFF).

Developed by RockeTruck in collaboration with Cal State LA, the compact MFCG uses an automotive fuel cell manufactured by American Honda Motors Company, Inc. to generate electricity on a mobile platform.

The system can be used to power homes and businesses during grid power outages caused by emergencies such as wildfire, to provide electricity for large outdoor entertainment venues, and deliver standby backup power for critical facilities including hospitals and data centers.

"Cal State LA is pleased to be an academic partner on this project and host the first public demonstration of RockeTruck's amazing new fuel cell generator," said Cal State LA's 2025 President's Distinguished Professor David Blekhman, who manages the HRFF where the MFCG will be showcased.

The public event will run from 1 to 4 p.m. and will feature a live demonstration of the MFCG's ability to deliver power for recharging devices ranging from cell phones to fast-charging electric vehicles.

"RockeTruck appreciates the support of Cal State LA, Honda, and our many other development partners," said Jurgen Schulte, RockeTruck chief engineer and principal designer of the generator, which is small enough to be transported in the bed of a Ford F-350 pickup truck.

Additional partners contributing to MFCG development include Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas & Electric Company, and Southern California Gas Company, with public funding provided by the California Energy Commission, U.S. Department of Energy, and South Coast Air Quality Management District.

Principal funding for the Cal State LA-RockeTruck collaboration comes from a $3 million grant from the California Energy Commission and a $1.15 million from a U.S. Department of Energy Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II grant, 30% of which is allocated to the academic partner. These grants, supplemented by a $200,000 contract from the South Coast Air Quality Management District, support the MFCG design project, which aims to reduce the system's size and weight to create a more compact unit capable of delivering clean, reliable backup power during emergencies and power shutoffs. 

Cal State LA integrates the lessons learned into its fuel cell curriculum and workforce training at the HRFF. Cal State LA Professor Masood Shahverdi leads the performance optimization study with several graduate students.

RockeTruck also announced it is now accepting commercial orders for the MFCG, with deliveries beginning in the second quarter of 2026. The company plans to build a large fleet of MFCG-based generators to power outdoor events during the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games (LA28).

RockeTruck, a privately held company founded in 2020 and based in Escondido, CA, also develops and manufactures advanced power converters, solid-state transformers, and energy management controls.

Cal State LA's HRFF is the first facility in the world located on a university campus permitted to produce and dispense hydrogen for vehicle fueling. The HRFF serves as a center for research, education, and workforce training in hydrogen and fuel cell technologies.

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California State University, Los Angeles is the premier comprehensive public university in the heart of Los Angeles. Cal State LA is ranked number one in the United States for the upward mobility of its students. Cal State LA is dedicated to engagement, service, and the public good, offering nationally recognized programs in science, the arts, business, criminal justice, engineering, nursing, education, and the humanities. Founded in 1947, the University serves more than 22,000 students and has more than 270,000 distinguished alumni.