Automaker Stellantis Abandons Plans for Hydrogen Fuel-Cell Van Project
In a major turn of events, automotive giant Stellantis has announced the cancellation of its hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle (FCV) program, including the planned launch of hydrogen-powered vans this summer. The decision, made public in July 2025, marks a significant setback for hydrogen mobility in Europe, particularly for light commercial vehicles (LCVs).
The company's reasons for scrapping the FCV program are multi-faceted. Stellantis executives have cited a severe lack of hydrogen refueling infrastructure, weak demand from fleets and consumers, high capital costs, and insufficient government incentives as major obstacles. Peter Golding of FleetCheck described the move as a "major blow" for fleet adoption of hydrogen technology.
As a result, planned production at Hordain, France (medium vans) and Gliwice, Poland (large vans) has been halted. Medium-sized hydrogen vans like the Vauxhall Vivaro-e Hydrogen had already been available in small numbers, while larger models such as the Vauxhall Movano Hydrogen had been tested but not broadly released.
In light of these challenges, Stellantis now plans to focus more intensively on battery-electric vans and hybrid vehicles to meet tightening emissions regulations across Europe and the UK. The move aligns with similar decisions by other automakers, such as BMW, which also cited infrastructure as a reason for not bringing hydrogen cars to the UK.
The decision by Stellantis underscores the need for more robust government support and infrastructure investment if hydrogen is to play a meaningful role in LCV decarbonization. This call has been echoed by other automakers.
In the context of the broader industry, Stellantis executives characterised hydrogen as a "niche segment" without prospects of mid-term economic sustainability for LCVs. The company does not anticipate meaningful adoption of hydrogen-powered LCVs in Europe before 2030.
The company is reportedly reviewing its stake in Symbio, a hydrogen fuel-cell joint venture with Michelin and Forvia, indicating potential further retrenchment from hydrogen tech development.
The table below provides a summary of the status of Stellantis' hydrogen van program:
| Aspect | Pre-Cancellation Status | Current Status (July 2025) | |-----------------------|------------------------------------------|----------------------------------| | Launch Plans | Scheduled for 2025 | Cancelled | | Production Sites | Hordain (France), Gliwice (Poland) | Production halted | | Infrastructure | Extremely limited across Europe | Major barrier, cited as cause | | Market Demand | Weak, niche | Insufficient for commercial launch| | Strategic Focus | Hydrogen and BEV/HEV | Shifted to BEV/HEV | | Industry Impact | Seen as a promising option | Setback for fleet adoption |
Despite this setback, other companies such as Bosch and Mahle Powertrain remain committed to hydrogen technology as a renewable fuel for decarbonization in the transportation sector. Bosch reaffirms its commitment to all "green" powertrain technologies, including hydrogen technology, and expects the first applications of hydrogen fuel-cell propulsion to be for heavy-duty trucks.
The move by Stellantis is one of the first major moves by new CEO Antonio Filosa, who is tasked with rebuilding the group's profitability following the forced departure of Carlos Tavares after a dramatic slump in revenues last year. It is unclear at this time whether the decision will impact staffing at its production sites.
In conclusion, Stellantis' decision to cancel its hydrogen-powered van launch reflects deep challenges in the European hydrogen mobility ecosystem: inadequate infrastructure, weak demand, high costs, and insufficient policy support. While hydrogen remains a topic of interest for certain heavy-duty applications, its near-term prospects for light commercial vehicles in Europe have been significantly dimmed by this development. The company, and likely the broader industry, will now concentrate on battery-electric and hybrid solutions as the primary route to meeting emissions targets for LCVs.
Technology remains a focus for Stellantis, as the company shifts its strategy towards battery-electric and hybrid vehicles. The cancellation of the hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle program, including the planned launch of hydrogen-powered vans, highlights the obstacles hindering hydrogen technology, such as insufficient infrastructure and weak demand.
