Stellantis has halted the development of hydrogen cars, calling them futile
Stellantis has announced the closure of its hydrogen fuel cell technology development programme. The company attributed its decision to a lack of infrastructure, high costs and poor customer incentives.
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Stellantis management believes that mass availability of lightweight hydrogen commercial vehicles is unlikely before the end of the decade. As a result, the launch of the Pro One range of hydrogen vans, which was scheduled for this summer, has been cancelled. Production of the mid-size models was due to start in France and the large models in Poland.
The Stellantis range of large hydrogen fuel cell vans. Photo: Stellantis
"With the company mobilising to meet strict European CO2 emission regulations, Stellantis has decided to discontinue its hydrogen fuel cell technology development programme," explained Jean-Philippe Imparato, Stellantis' chief operating officer for enlarged Europe. "The hydrogen market remains a niche segment with no prospects for economic sustainability in the medium term. We must make clear and responsible choices to ensure our competitiveness and fulfil our customers' expectations by developing the market for electric and hybrid passenger vehicles as well as light commercial vehicles."
The Stellantis range of mid-sized hydrogen fuel cell vans. Photo: Stellantis
No staff reductions are planned at the production facility - some engineers will be switched to other RD projects. As for the Symbio hydrogen joint venture, Stellantis has started talks with partners, Faurecia and Michelin, to "find the best solution".
Source: Stellantis
