Stellantis has officially abandoned its hydrogen fuel cell vehicle (FCEV) program, raising fresh doubts over the long-term viability of hydrogen-powered transport. The automotive giant confirmed it would discontinue development of its hydrogen technology and cancel the planned serial production of its Pro One hydrogen vans this year.
The move comes as market intelligence firm IDTechEx warns that light commercial vehicles were never a strong fit for fuel cell technology, with battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) offering a more practical solution for short daily mileage and lower charging needs. Stellantis itself conceded it does not expect significant adoption of hydrogen-powered vans before the end of the decade.
The decision follows wider turbulence in the FCEV sector in 2025. Renault’s hydrogen mobility joint venture, Hyvia, was liquidated earlier this year, while US-based Nikola Motors filed for bankruptcy. According to IDTechEx analyst John Li, these developments point to a worsening outlook for hydrogen in smaller vehicle categories, even as some automakers such as Toyota and Hyundai continue pilot deployments.
Passenger FCEVs remain niche, with sales of models such as the Toyota Mirai, Hyundai Nexo and Honda CR-V concentrated mainly in Japan, Korea and the US. BMW has held firm on its commitment to enter the FCEV passenger car market in 2028, and IDTechEx forecasts annual global sales could reach 500,000 by 2045.
The heaviest blow from Stellantis’ withdrawal may be to the perception of hydrogen as a credible alternative to battery-electric technology. However, IDTechEx notes that heavy-duty applications – including buses and long-haul trucks – remain more promising. Hyundai, Toyota and Honda continue to invest in fuel cell trucking, while Ballard Power Systems reported a 40 per cent revenue increase from bus applications in early 2025.
China remains the global leader in hydrogen truck deployment, with nearly 500 units sold in the first quarter of this year. Yet progress is closely tied to the rollout of costly hydrogen refuelling infrastructure, which Stellantis cited as a key reason for abandoning its program.
While setbacks have piled up, IDTechEx believes the story for hydrogen is far from over. With government backing – such as the European Union’s plan for hydrogen refuelling corridors by 2030 – the sector could yet recover.
“In a year of uncertainty, fuel cell vehicles have survived to the halfway mark,” Li said.
“The door is still open if infrastructure and economics align.”