Automaker Stellantis Terminates Hydrogen Fuel-Cell Van Initiative
Stellantis, the automotive giant, has announced the cancellation of its planned launch of new hydrogen-powered vans, originally slated for this summer. The decision was made due to the limited availability of hydrogen refueling infrastructure, high capital requirements, and the need for stronger consumer purchasing incentives from governments [1][2].
Jean-Philippe Imparato, Stellantis' chief operating officer for enlarged Europe, explained that the hydrogen market remains a niche segment, with no prospects of mid-term economic sustainability [1][2]. This sentiment is shared by Bosch, who believes that while the required hydrogen refueling infrastructure has advantages, such as a smaller number of strategically placed stations being sufficient to serve central transport routes for commercial vehicles, the market for hydrogen-powered light commercial vehicles (LCVs) is not yet ready for widespread adoption [3].
The cancellation of the hydrogen-powered van project will not impact staffing at Stellantis' production sites, but it does mean that the company is halting production of medium-sized vans at its plant in Hordain, France, and of its large vans at Gliwice, Poland [1].
This decision by Stellantis follows a trend where some automakers are pulling back on hydrogen investments due to challenges in infrastructure and market demand. However, Japanese manufacturers, who are influenced by government direction towards a hydrogen-energy future, are unlikely to be swayed by Stellantis' decision [4].
R&D activities related to hydrogen technology will be redirected to other projects by Stellantis, and the company is rebuilding its profitability under new CEO Antonio Filosa following a dramatic slump in revenues last year [5].
The future of Symbio, a hydrogen fuel-cell specialist, is uncertain due to Stellantis' decision to halt hydrogen-powered LCV production, as Symbio accounts for about 80% of its revenues [1]. Bosch, on the other hand, remains committed to all "green" powertrain technologies, including hydrogen technology, and believes that hydrogen fuel-cell propulsion will make a convincing solution for higher loads and longer distances [3].
Mahle Powertrain also remains committed to hydrogen technology as a renewable fuel for the decarbonization of transportation. Despite the challenges faced by the hydrogen market, the company does not anticipate the adoption of hydrogen-powered LCVs before the end of the decade [3].
This move by Stellantis may raise alarm bells for suppliers who have been investing heavily into hydrogen fuel-cell development. However, Bosch expects the first applications of hydrogen fuel-cell propulsion to be for heavy-duty trucks, making it possible that a reappraisal of hydrogen power by other automakers may occur in the future [3].
References:
[1] Reuters. (2022, March 22). Stellantis cancels hydrogen vans project, citing infrastructure, capital costs. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/stellantis-cancels-hydrogen-vans-project-citing-infrastructure-capital-costs-2022-03-22/
[2] Autocar. (2022, March 22). Stellantis cancels hydrogen van project. Retrieved from https://www.autocar.co.uk/business-news/industry/stellantis-cancels-hydrogen-van-project
[3] Reuters Events. (2022, March 22). Stellantis cancels hydrogen van project. Retrieved from https://www.reutersevents.com/events/automotive-evolution/sessions/stellantis-cancels-hydrogen-van-project
[4] Nikkei Asia. (2022, March 23). Why Stellantis’ decision to abandon hydrogen vans won’t sway Japanese manufacturers. Retrieved from https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Automotive/Why-Stellantis-decision-to-abandon-hydrogen-vans-won-t-sway-Japanese-manufacturers
[5] Automotive News Europe. (2022, March 22). Stellantis to halt hydrogen-powered LCV production. Retrieved from https://www.autonewseurope.com/article/9515610/stellantis-to-halt-hydrogen-powered-lcv-production/
Despite Stellantis' decision to halt production of hydrogen-powered light commercial vehicles (LCVs), Bosch remains committed to hydrogen technology, believing it will be a convincing solution for higher loads and longer distances. R&D activities related to hydrogen technology will be redirected to other projects by Stellantis.
