In a sign that hydrogen has faded as a part of the future energy mix in the car parc, a major global automotive maker has announced it will shift away from its development.
Media reports highlight that Stellantis, the maker of Crysler, Jeep, Citroen Fiat among other, has decided to shift away from the development based on mid-term market prospects highlights the challenges in this alternative fuel.
The EVReport says the company has halted production at its plants in France and Poland and will pursue other ventures.
While there have been some inroads in Australia in the hydrogen field, notably by the CSIRO, Hyundai and Toyota, sales of new vehicles have remained in single digits and there has been o general uptake by motorists.
In Australia, the FCAI reports that in the period up until June 2025, only two hydrogen vehicles have been sold in the car and light commercial sector. This was a drop on the seven sold in the same period in 2024.
While hydrogen was seen as a viable alternative for commercial transport in Europe, Stellantis was focused on light commercial vehicles with medium sized vans planned called the Pro One
It listed limited hydrogen refuelling infrastructure, high capital investment requirements, and the absence of consumer purchase incentives as the reasons it will not proceed with the project.
Stellantis Chief Operating Officer for Enlarged Europe Jean-Philippe Imparato, told the EVReport the company had to make “clear and responsible choices” to maintain competitiveness amid stringent European CO2 regulations and the hydrogen segment remains a niche area without economic viability
No jobs will be impacted by the decision with R&D efforts redirected to other their hybrid and EV divisions