Symbio, a joint venture between Forvia, Michelin, and Stellantis, has inaugurated its first fuel cell gigafactory called SymphonHy. Located in Saint-Fons, France, the factory is now the largest integrated fuel cell production site in Europe. Its current production capacity is 16,000 units and will reach 50,000 by 2026. The site is energy self-sufficient as well.
One of the three shareholders in the equally-split joint venture of Symbio, Stellantis, has already fielded hydrogen-powered vehicles through its Peugeot, Citroen, and Opel lines. The company plans to expand that to include large vans in the mid-power architecture segments, which will bring zero-emission vehicles to the commercial and people-moving sectors with 500 km of range and 10 minute recharge/refuel times.
Stellantis also plans to develop hydrogen and hydrogen fuel cell technologies for its Ram branded pickup trucks as part of the company’s electrification initiatives. The company did not elaborate on timetables or expectations for those trucks, but it is assumed that they would be sold in both European and North American markets.
Aaron is an automotive journalist living in Wyoming, USA. His background includes technology, mechanics, commercial vehicles, and new vehicle evaluations. Aaron is a member of several automotive media groups and writes for many well-known publications.