In July 2025, Stellantis announced it will discontinue its hydrogen fuel cell technology development program, citing limited hydrogen refueling infrastructure, high capital requirements, and a lack of strong consumer incentives. 

As a result, Stellantis will not launch its planned range of hydrogen-powered Pro One vehicles this year. Series production, originally scheduled to begin this summer in Hordain, France (medium vans), and Gliwice, Poland (large vans), has been canceled.

“In a context where the Company is mobilizing 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. 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.”

Stellantis noted the decision will not impact staffing at its production sites, and R&D tied to hydrogen technology will be redirected to other projects. The company is also in discussions with Symbio shareholders to evaluate the impact of current hydrogen market conditions and next steps.

The company noted in a release that it did not anticipate adoption of hydrogen-powered light commercial vehicles before the end of the decade.

Digging into Market Challenges for Hydrogen Commercial Vehicles

Market intelligence firm IDTechEx echoed the challenges facing hydrogen light commercial vehicles, noting they were “never a good value proposition” compared to battery-electric options. Analyst John Li pointed out that with Stellantis’ exit, prospects for fuel cell light commercial vehicles have worsened, although Renault and Toyota continue limited programs in Europe and Japan.

According to IDTechEx, fuel cells remain more promising in heavy-duty sectors such as trucking and buses, where range and refueling speed are bigger advantages. The firm highlighted ongoing deployments in California, Germany, and China, alongside government investment in fuel cell buses and infrastructure. Hyundai, Toyota, and Honda are also continuing development of fuel cell trucks, with Hyundai reporting deliveries in 14 countries.

While passenger car FCEVs are still rare, models like the Toyota Mirai, Hyundai Nexo, and Honda CR-V continue to see modest sales in select regions. BMW has also announced plans to enter the FCEV passenger car market in 2028. 

IDTechEx forecasts that despite setbacks (including Stellantis’ withdrawal, Renault’s Hyvia joint venture liquidation, and Nikola’s bankruptcy) the global FCEV market could still grow, particularly in heavy-duty segments, if hydrogen refueling infrastructure expands.