Stellantis is scrapping its hydrogen fuel cell technology development program, citing “limited availability of hydrogen refuelling infrastructure, high capital requirements, and the need for stronger consumer purchasing incentives”, as the reasons for its decision.
The global automotive company 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 of which was scheduled to start this summer in Hordain, France (medium-sized vans ) and Gliwice, Poland (large vans ).
Several Stellantis brands were due to benefit from hydrogen technology, such as Peugeot, Citroen, Opel and Fiat.
Stellantis COO Jean-Philippe Imparato, said the hydrogen market “remains a niche segment, with no prospects of mid-term economic sustainability”.
Stellantis will now put its hydrogen R&D team to work on other projects, meaning no jobs will be lost.
