KEY POINTS:
• Stellantis discontinues hydrogen fuel cell technology development program, according to company announcement on July 16, 2025
• Production of hydrogen-powered vans scheduled for France and Poland cancelled, Stellantis press release states
• No job losses expected at production facilities, with R&D staff to be reassigned, company confirms
Stellantis announced on July 16, 2025, that it would discontinue its hydrogen fuel cell technology development program, marking a significant retreat from the alternative fuel technology. According to the company’s official press release, the decision was driven by “limited availability of hydrogen refueling infrastructure, high capital requirements, and the need for stronger consumer purchasing incentives.”
The automotive giant stated that it “does not anticipate the adoption of hydrogen-powered light commercial vehicles before the end of the decade.” As a result, Stellantis confirmed it would no longer launch its new range of hydrogen-powered Pro One vehicles this year. According to the company announcement, serial production was scheduled to start this summer in Hordain, France for medium-sized vans and Gliwice, Poland for large vans.
“In a context where the Company is mobilizing to respond to demanding CO2 regulations in Europe, Stellantis has decided to discontinue its hydrogen fuel cell technology development program,” Jean-Philippe Imparato, Chief Operating Officer for Enlarged Europe, told Stellantis in the company’s press release. “The hydrogen market remains a niche segment, with no prospects of mid-term economic sustainability. We must make clear and responsible choices to ensure our competitiveness and meet the expectations of our customers with our electric and hybrid passenger and light commercial vehicles offensive.”
Impact on Production and Workforce
According to the Stellantis announcement, the decision will not impact staffing at production sites. The company stated that “R&D activities related to hydrogen technology will be redirected to other projects.”
Fleet News reported that the company has around 300 hydrogen Vivaros in market following trials in 2024 which will continue to receive support from the manufacturer, though Fleet News noted that none are in the UK, according to a UK spokesman.
Symbio Joint Venture Faces Uncertainty
The discontinuation has broader implications for the hydrogen sector. Bloomberg reported on July 15 that Stellantis plans to stop investing in the Symbio business that specializes in hydrogen fuel cells by 2026. Symbio is a joint venture with Michelin and Forvia.
According to Reuters reporting on statements from Michelin and Forvia, the car parts suppliers said Stellantis’ decision came as a surprise and would have “serious operational and financial consequences” for Symbio. CP24 reported that Forvia stated Stellantis is Symbio’s main customer, accounting for nearly 80% of Symbio’s business volume.
Stellantis stated in its press release that it “has initiated discussions with the shareholders of Symbio to evaluate the current market consequences and to preserve the best interests of Symbio, in line with their respective obligations.”
Ambitious Plans Abandoned
The cancellation represents a significant reversal from the company’s earlier ambitions. Carscoops reported that in January 2024, Stellantis had outlined plans to roll out eight fuel cell electric vehicle variants of its mid-size and large commercial vans. According to Carscoops, these were to come from the Stellantis Pro One lineup, including the Citroën ë-Jumpy and ë-Jumper, Fiat E-Scudo and E-Ducato, Opel/Vauxhall Vivaro and Movano, and Peugeot E-Expert and E-Boxer.
Fleet News reported that it first broke the news of the program cancellation six days before the official announcement, with the company due to launch a hydrogen fuel cell production model of the Vauxhall Movano in spring, with a Vivaro version following later in the year.
Industry Context
CleanTechnica noted in its July 12 analysis that Stellantis’ decision aligns with patterns of hydrogen transportation failures across the industry. According to CleanTechnica, the pivot away from hydrogen-powered transportation represents confirmation of longstanding challenges faced by hydrogen in mobility markets.
Carscoops reported that back in 2021, former Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares had said that automakers pushing for hydrogen-powered vehicles were behind the curve on battery and EV technology.
While Stellantis retreats from hydrogen, Motor1.com reported that Toyota remains committed to hydrogen for the long haul, with plans to improve fuel cells with an upcoming third generation. Motor1.com also noted that Hyundai is not giving up on hydrogen either, having recently launched the new Nexo crossover and seeing a future for fuel cell trucks.
