Stellantis drops hydrogen fuel cell van ambition

Stellantis Pulls the Plug on Hydrogen Vans

Stellantis, the global automaker behind brands like Peugeot, Citroën and Fiat, has decided to cancel plans for light commercial vans powered by hydrogen fuel cells. The decision comes after the company showcased the vans at the Paris Motor Show last year.

Why the Move?

• Limited refuelling hubs – hydrogen stations remain sparse, especially in Europe.
• High capital costs – building and maintaining a fleet of hydrogen vans requires significant upfront investment.
• Lack of consumer incentives – buyers currently have few tangible benefits to choose hydrogen over electric alternatives.

CEO’s Take

Jean‑Philippe Imparato, Stellantis’s chief operating officer for Europe, said the hydrogen market is still a niche segment with no prospects for mid‑term economic sustainability. He added that the company must focus on electric and hybrid passenger and light commercial vehicles to stay competitive.

Hydrogen vs. Battery Electric

Hydrogen fuel cells can offer faster refuelling times than battery electric vehicles, but they require expensive new infrastructure. Most hydrogen today is produced from natural gas without capturing greenhouse gas emissions, undercutting the zero‑emissions promise.

Industry Context

• Only Toyota, Hyundai and BMW are still actively developing fuel‑cell vehicles.
• France’s Renault shut its hydrogen plant earlier this year.
• Stellantis will reassign staff at its hydrogen plants, but the move will create financial challenges for Symbio, the company’s hydrogen supplier.

Symbio Stakeholders Respond

Stellantis took a stake in Symbio in 2023 alongside Michelin and Forvia. Symbio opened a fuel‑cell factory near Lyon in 2023. After Stellantis announced the cancellation:

• Michelin called the announcement “unexpected, brutal and uncoordinated.”
• Forvia noted that Stellantis accounts for nearly 80 percent of Symbio’s activity and warned that the decision will have “serious and immediate operational and financial repercussions for the future of Symbio.”