Stellantis has announced it will discontinue its hydrogen fuel cell technology development program. The program was targeting future sales of light commercial vehicles in Europe.
It also said series production of hydrogen-powered Pro One vans in Hordain, France, and Gliwice, Poland, will end.
In the UK market, Stellantis said last year it planned to start customer trials of the Vauxhall Vivaro Hydrogen light commercial vehicle.
Stellantis said the decision was due to a number of factors including limited availability of hydrogen refuelling infrastructure, high capital requirements, and the need for stronger consumer purchasing incentives.
Stellantis also said it does not anticipate the adoption of hydrogen-powered light commercial vehicles before the end of the decade.
As a result, Stellantis will no longer launch its new range of hydrogen-powered Pro One vehicles this year. Serial production was scheduled to start this summer in Hordain, France (medium-sized vans) and Gliwice, Poland (large vans).
“In a context where the company is mobilising to respond to demanding CO2 regulations in Europe, Stellantis has decided to discontinue its hydrogen fuel cell technology development program,” said Jean-Philippe Imparato, Chief Operating Officer for Enlarged Europe.
“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.”
Stellantis also said the decision will not impact staffing at Stellantis’ production sites. R&D activities related to hydrogen technology will be redirected to other projects.
Stellantis also warned that the ‘current state of the hydrogen segment also presents financial challenges for various stakeholders’. In this context, ‘Stellantis 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’.
