Stellantis has scrapped its hydrogen van development programme, less than two years after pledging to begin production of hydrogen-fuelled light commercial vehicles.
Stellantis announced that production of medium-sized vans such as the Vauxhall Vivaro would begin in early 2024 at the company’s Hordain plant in France, with larger vans to be built in Gliwice, Poland, although series production never got off the ground. However, the manufacturing behemoth now says that market realities have forced a change of direction.
The decision halts the planned rollout of hydrogen-powered versions of Stellantis’ Pro One range, which includes vans sold under the Citroen, Fiat, Opel, Peugeot and Vauxhall brands.
“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.”
Citing limited hydrogen refuelling infrastructure, high capital costs, and a lack of fleet incentives, Stellantis now says it does not expect meaningful adoption of hydrogen-powered vans before the end of the decade.
While the move marks a clear retreat from hydrogen, Stellantis will continue its electrification strategy with battery-electric and hybrid models, which are seen as more viable in the short to medium term.
No job losses are expected at the Hordain or Gliwice factories, and research and development resources previously assigned to hydrogen projects will be redirected elsewhere within the company.
The pivot also raises questions over the future of Symbio, the hydrogen joint venture between Stellantis, Michelin, and Forvia. Stellantis has opened talks with its fellow shareholders to assess the impact of the decision on Symbio’s future and to determine the next steps. That might involve a change of direction or possibly a withdrawal altogether.
For the UK, the change in plans ends any hope of seeing the £70,000 Vauxhall Movano Hydrogen reach UK fleets.
