Stellantis to end hydrogen fuel cell programme

Stellantis has confirmed it is to discontinue its hydrogen fuel cell technology development programme, six days after Fleet News first broke the news.

The company, which was due to launch a hydrogen fuel cell production model of the Vauxhall Movano in spring, with a Vivaro version following later in the year, released a statement which blamed “limited availability of hydrogen refuelling infrastructure, high capital requirements, and the need for stronger consumer purchasing incentives” for the decision.

Consequently, Stellantis will no longer launch its new range of hydrogen-powered Pro One vehicles this year. It has around 300 hydrogen Vivaros in market following trials in 2024 which will continue to receive support from the manufacturer, although none are in the UK, according to a UK spokesman.

“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 programme,” 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.”

His comments echo those made by Fedele Ragusa, Stellantis senior product manager, who told Fleet News: “It is not the right time to push hydrogen. There is no investment in incentives and infrastructure.”

Stellantis does not anticipate any adoption of hydrogen-powered light commercial vehicles before the end of the decade, although it notes that fleets were showing interested in trialling the Movano model due to the speed of refuelling, the reliable range and the improved payload over electric alternatives.

The UK spokesman said: “The technology works, but there was no business case on a regional level to support.”

Stellantis has initiated discussions with the shareholders of hydrogen fuel cell partner Symbio to evaluate the current market consequences and to preserve the best interests of Symbio, in line with their respective obligations.

This decision will not impact staffing at Stellantis’ production sites. R&D activities related to hydrogen technology will be redirected to other projects.