Automaker Stellantis is discontinuing its fuel cell technology development program, citing weak expectations for rapid adoption at scale. The move ripples uncertainty to fuel cell maker Symbio and the outlook for its gigafactory in France.
Three weeks after Stellantis’ sudden and unilateral decision to halt all its hydrogen-powered light commercial vehicle activities, Symbio acknowledges that it is facing a major setback. Jean-Baptiste Lucas, newly appointed CEO of Symbio as of July 10, expressed on July 28 his firm commitment to make every effort to secure the company’s future and to contribute to strengthening a French hydrogen industry that is currently under pressure.
“Everyone must be committed to playing their part, honoring their commitments, and taking responsibility,” he stated. “This sudden strategic reversal on behalf of Stellantis is a shock to our 640 employees. Our teams have shown exceptional dedication in meeting Stellantis’ ambitions. No company had ever deployed such technologies at this scale and with such industrial maturity in such a short time. It is inconceivable that all of this could be wiped out.”
“Symbio made every effort to fulfill the strategic programs specifically developed for Stellantis’ light commercial vehicles (LCVs). The Step2 program, based on T5 technology—40 kW fuel cell systems—alone represented a major share of Symbio’s 2025 order book. The ultimate technical and industrial validations of the program were confirmed by Stellantis on April 30, with ramp-up already underway at the SymphonHy gigafactory in Saint-Fons (Lyon metropolitan area): Europe’s largest integrated hydrogen fuel cell production site, and the only one currently IATF 16949-certified—the highest standard in the automotive industry.
Symbio’s top management is actively working on several financial and industrial scenarios to preserve jobs and ensure the company’s viability. In one effort, they are actively engaged in ongoing discussions with Stellantis to ensure it honors its commitments, upholds its contractual responsibilities, and contributes to securing the company’s future—including through compensation. Also, among the immediate options being considered is the acceleration of mass production for the 75 kW fuel cell systems, made possible by reallocating some of the resources previously employed on Stellantis programs.
“Symbio regrets the breach of confidentiality on the ongoing conciliation process at the Lyon Commercial Court (Tribunal de commerce), which aims to reach an agreement with shareholders. Stellantis remains a co-shareholder of Symbio alongside Michelin and Forvia, each holding a 33.3% stake,” noted Lucas. “Despite this setback, Symbio is redefining its roadmap to continue its innovation and diversification strategy, keeping its ambition intact: to build a sovereign French and European hydrogen industry.
Its medium-term goals include launching large-scale production of the StackPack 75, a 75-kW fuel cell system adaptable to a wide range of applications—including buses, coaches, and stationary uses in energy-intensive sectors such as data centers. By 2028, Symbio aims to industrialize new generations of 150 kW and 300 kW fuel cell systems for heavy-duty vehicles.”
Stellantis announced the dramatic change in plans on July 16 from its headquarters in Amstedam. The company said it does not anticipate the adoption of hydrogen-powered light commercial vehicles before the end of the decade due to limited availability of hydrogen refueling infrastructure, high capital requirements and the need for stronger consumer purchasing incentives.
As a result, Stellantis will no longer launch its new range of hydrogen-powered Pro One vehicles this year. Serial production was scheduled to start this summer in Hordain, France (medium-sized vans) and Gliwice, Poland (large vans) with all the vehicles to be powered by Symbio fuel cells.
“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,” explains 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.” R&D activities related to hydrogen technology will be redirected to other projects.
The current state of the hydrogen segment also presents financial challenges for various stakeholders, said Stellantis, referring particularly to fuel cell maker Symbio in which it acquired a one-third equity stake in 2023 and for whom it stood as the largest customer. “In this context, Stellantis has initiated discussions with the shareholders of Symbio to evaluate the current market consequences and to preserve the best interests of Symbio, in line with their respective obligations,” the company said.
Co-shareholders Forvia and Michelin were informed in May of Stellantis’ intention to halt its hydrogen-related activities as of 2026, they disclosed independently but also on July 16. Characterized by the partners as a surprise, unilaterial decision from Stellantis, the development is casting doubt on the future of Symbio’s gigaplant as well as the company itself.
“This unexpected shift comes despite Stellantis being both a co-shareholder and Symbio’s main customer, having long carried the ambition of shaping the hydrogen mobility market for light commercial vehicles. Stellantis’ orders alone account for approximately 80% of Symbio’s planned production volume,” related Forvia and Michelin.
“Over the past two years, Symbio has scaled its investments, hiring, and development roadmap based on Stellantis’ stated needs for the next eight years. The technology and performance of Symbio’s systems have been validated by all shareholders, including Stellantis’ own teams. More recently, as part of the French government’s call for projects announced in April 2025, Symbio was fully prepared to produce hydrogen fuel cells for Stellantis vehicles eligible under this scheme.”
“Stellantis’ decision will have irreversible operational and financial consequences for Symbio. Michelin and FORVIA are particularly concerned about the impact on Symbio’s 590 employees in France and 50 employees abroad,” the companies stated.
