Stellantis is set to finalise its departure from the hydrogen fuel cell joint venture Symbio by May, with the carmaker facing an anticipated bill of 235 million euros, equal to about $275.6 million, according to reporting published on Monday.
The company formally halted its hydrogen fuel cell technology programme in July 2025 and announced it would not proceed with launching hydrogen-powered vehicles. That decision put the future of Symbio in question because Stellantis accounted for roughly 80% of Symbio's business volume.
Sources indicate the exit is expected to be completed in May, after a conciliation process with Symbio's co-shareholders. The outcome being negotiated should create a new ownership structure in which Michelin and Forvia each hold half of the venture's capital.
Under the settlement outlined in the reporting, Stellantis will provide its partners with total compensation estimated at 235 million euros for the early withdrawal. The sum is expected to be split into a 145 million euro write-off and a 90 million euro cash payment.
The move marks a clear end to Stellantis' internal investment in hydrogen fuel cell vehicle deployment, and it shifts the ownership and operational responsibilities for Symbio to its remaining partners. The details released to date focus on the timing of the exit, the expected change in shareholding, and the accounting and cash components of the compensation package.
Context and implications
While the company has stopped development and commercial plans for hydrogen-powered vehicles, the near-term focus turns to executing the conciliation process and implementing the planned new shareholding arrangement at Symbio. The reported compensation mechanics - the combination of a write-off and a cash payment - indicate how Stellantis will recognise and settle the financial consequences of the withdrawal.
Additional factual notes
- Stellantis ended its hydrogen fuel cell programme in July 2025 and will not launch hydrogen vehicles.
- Stellantis represented 80% of Symbio's business volume.
- The exit is expected to be finalised by May following conciliation with co-shareholders.
- The compensation package for early withdrawal totals 235 million euros, comprised of a 145 million euro write-off and a 90 million euro cash payment.
- Post-conciliation, Michelin and Forvia are expected to each hold 50% of Symbio's capital.