Automotive giant Stellantis is scrapping its hydrogen fuel cell van programme, due to a lack of infrastructure and poor economic prospects.
Makers of Vauxhall, Peugeot, Fiat and Citroën vans, Stellantis has today announced that its new range of hydrogen-powered Stellantis Pro One commercial vehicles will no longer be launched this year.
Stellantis blamed the decision on the limited availability of hydrogen refuelling stations, the high investment required, and the absence of strong government incentives to encourage customers to switch. The company stated it "does not anticipate the adoption of hydrogen-powered light commercial vehicles before the end of the decade."
Currently there are just 15 public hydrogen filling stations in the UK, and while countries like Germany and France have significantly more, the cost of adding further sites has meant the rate of growth has slowed dramatically.
Serial production was scheduled to begin this summer at facilities in Hordain, France, for medium-sized vans and Gliwice, Poland, for its large van models. Medium hydrogen vans like the Vauxhall Vivaro-e Hydrogen have already been on sale in Europe in limited numbers, while large hydrogen vans like the Vauxhall Movano Hydrogen have been tested with fleets.
The move represents a significant pivot for the world's fourth-largest carmaker, which will now intensify its focus on battery electric vans and hybrid vehicles to meet stringent European and UK emissions regulations.
Jean-Philippe Imparato, Chief Operating Officer for Enlarged Europe at Stellantis, said: “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,” he said.
“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.”
This decision is seen as a blow to the development of the hydrogen vehicle market, which has been positioned by some as a viable clean-energy alternative to battery power, particularly for commercial vehicles that require longer ranges and faster refuelling times.
Stellantis has assured that the cancellation will not affect staffing levels at its production sites. It added that research and development activities previously focused on hydrogen will now be redirected to other projects within the company.
The company also acknowledged the financial challenges the decision poses to its partners.
Stellantis has initiated discussions with the shareholders of Symbio, its hydrogen technology joint venture with Forvia and Michelin, to "evaluate the current market consequences and to preserve the best interests of Symbio".
