Stellantis has decisively withdrawn from the hydrogen passenger-van space, citing economic, infrastructural, and regulatory constraints. Instead, it’s fully redirecting its R&D and production focus toward electric and hybrid vehicles. The hydrogen venture with Symbio will be reassessed in light of this pivot.
What Stellantis Announced
- A full halt of its hydrogen fuel‑cell development program — including stopping production of the hydrogen-powered Pro One vans scheduled in Hordain (France) and Gliwice (Poland).
- The company has concluded that hydrogen, especially for light commercial vehicles, is economically unviable in the mid‑term due to sparse refueling infrastructure, high capital demands, and weak customer incentives.
- Hydrogen vehicles are not expected to reach meaningful adoption before 2030 at the earliest .
- Stellantis will reallocate R&D resources toward battery‑electric and hybrid vehicles, aligning with stricter CO₂ norms.
- No job losses are expected — current staffing at affected plants remains secure .
- Discussions have begun with Symbio, its hydrogen JV with Michelin & Forvia, to determine next steps.
Why now?
- Infrastructure is lacking – too few refueling stations.
- High cost – both for vehicle development and hydrogen production.
- Poor market incentive – limited demand and consumer incentives for uptake.
- Contrast – BEVs and hybrids are seen as the more viable near-term solution.
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