Automaker Stellantis Abandons Hydrogen Fuel-Cell Vehicle Initiative
In a significant move, automotive giant Stellantis has announced the scrapping of its hydrogen fuel-cell development program for light-commercial vehicles (LCVs) and the cancellation of its new Pro One hydrogen-powered LCVs. The decision, one of the first major moves by new Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa, comes in response to the limited availability of hydrogen refueling infrastructure, high capital costs, and the lack of strong consumer purchasing incentives [1][2][3][4].
The hydrogen market, according to Stellantis chief operating officer for enlarged Europe, Jean-Philippe Imparato, remains a niche segment with no prospects of mid-term economic sustainability. As a result, the company is redirecting its research and development (R&D) staff to other projects and withdrawing from investments heavily tied to hydrogen fuel cells, such as their stake in Symbio, a hydrogen fuel cell manufacturer [1][2][3][4].
This decision does not impact staffing at Stellantis' production sites, but it may pose uncertainty for Symbio, a hydrogen fuel-cell specialist, as Stellantis constitutes about 80% of its revenues [1][2][3][4].
Meanwhile, Bosch, another automotive industry heavyweight, believes that fuel cell technology has matured to the point of widespread use. However, Bosch has halted production of medium-sized vans at its plant in Hordain, France, and of its large vans at Gliwice, Poland [1][2][3][4]. Bosch reaffirms its commitment to all "green" powertrain technologies, including hydrogen technology, but the company's statement does not discuss the need for stronger consumer purchasing incentives from governments or the limited availability of hydrogen refueling infrastructure [1][2][3][4].
Mahle Powertrain, another player in the automotive industry, sees applications for hydrogen fuel cells in heavy-duty trucks. The company remains committed to hydrogen technology as a renewable fuel for decarbonization in the transportation sector [1][2][3][4].
The decision by Stellantis may spark a similar reappraisal of hydrogen power by other automakers. Bosch, for instance, expects the first applications of hydrogen fuel-cell propulsion to be for heavy-duty trucks, given the advantages of a smaller number of strategically placed hydrogen refueling stations being sufficient for central transport routes for commercial vehicles [1][2][3][4].
The move by Stellantis contrasts with continued hydrogen development efforts by some other automakers like Toyota, Honda, and Hyundai, but it reflects Stellantis’ strategic reprioritization considering current market and infrastructure realities [2]. Japanese manufacturers may not be influenced by this decision due to government directives to prepare for a hydrogen-energy future.
[1] BBC News [2] Reuters [3] Automotive News Europe [4] The Guardian
- Despite Bosch's belief in the maturity of fuel cell technology, the company has temporarily halted production of vans at its plants, mirroring Stellantis' decision to withdraw from heavy investments in hydrogen fuel cells.
- The energy sector might see a shift in focus as other automakers, influenced by Stellantis' move, reassess their hydrogen power development programs, potentially prioritizing renewable fuel alternatives in transportation, such as Mahle Powertrain's emphasis on hydrogen for heavy-duty trucks.
- In contrast, Japanese manufacturers like Toyota, Honda, and Hyundai continue their hydrogen development efforts, seemingly unaffected by Stellantis' strategic reprioritization, given the government directives guiding their preparation for a hydrogen-energy future.
