Stellantis stops hydrogen: why is the fuel cell being sidelined?

The electrification of the global automotive fleet is a significant challenge for manufacturers. In this context, Stellantis's decision to cease the development of its hydrogen fuel cell technology for light commercial vehicles raises questions. This article examines the reasons behind this strategic reversal and its implications for the future of sustainable mobility, based on the group's latest announcements.

Stellantis ends hydrogen program despite substantial investments

Stellantis has announced the termination of its hydrogen fuel cell technology development program. This decision comes despite substantial investments made by the group in this direction. The mass production of Stellantis Pro One hydrogen light commercial vehicles, initially scheduled to begin this summer at the Hordain plant in France (for medium-sized LCVs) and Gliwice in Poland (for large-sized LCVs), has thus been abandoned.

Jean-Philippe Imparato, Chief Operating Officer for Enlarged Europe, unequivocally explained this strategic direction: "In a context where the company is mobilizing to meet CO2 regulatory requirements in Europe, Stellantis has decided to terminate its hydrogen fuel cell technology development program. The hydrogen market remains a niche segment, with no prospects for economic profitability in the medium term. We must make clear and responsible choices to ensure our competitiveness and meet our customers' expectations with our electric and hybrid offerings for both passenger cars and light commercial vehicles."

Reasons for strategic disengagement and the future of Symbio

Several factors led to Stellantis's disengagement. The lack of medium-term prospects for the hydrogen market is the primary reason. The limited availability of refueling infrastructure, the considerable investments required for this technology, and the need for very high customer incentives make the adoption of hydrogen light commercial vehicles unlikely before the end of the decade, according to Stellantis. It's worth noting that even battery-electric light commercial vehicles are struggling to find their audience, which further reinforces the group's caution.

In a generally difficult financial climate for the automotive industry, continuing significant investments in a technology without a viable market in the short or medium term no longer made sense for the manufacturer. This decision will not impact the workforce at Stellantis production sites, and hydrogen-related Research & Development activities will be reoriented towards other projects.

As for Symbio, the joint venture specializing in fuel cells, Stellantis has initiated discussions with its shareholders. The objective is to assess the impacts of the current economic situation and to best protect Symbio's interests, while respecting each party's commitments. Symbio's future therefore remains under discussion, but the halt of Stellantis's hydrogen program marks a major turning point for this entity.

Automotive electrification is proving to be a much more arduous task than it appears. Stellantis, like other major players, is forced to make strong strategic choices at a time when the automotive industry faces numerous headwinds, be they economic, regulatory, or technological. However, this abrupt halt of programs in which so much investment has been made raises questions. These now wasted resources could have been allocated to other projects.

This decision also raises concerns given that other manufacturers continue to develop hydrogen technology, particularly for heavy-duty vehicles. Is completely abandoning it truly the best long-term strategy? Only time will tell, but it is clear that the road to fully decarbonized mobility is still long and full of uncertainties.