Stellantis-Backed Joint Venture Symbio Inaugurates its First Fuel Cell Gigafactory

Symbio, an equally owned joint venture (JV) between Stellantis, Michelin and Forvia, has inaugurated SymphonHy, its first gigafactory producing producing hydrogen fuel cells. Stellantis also confirmed its plans to develop a hydrogen technology for its Ram brand pickups.

SymphonHy is aiming for an annual output of 50,000 fuel cell systems by 2026.

Located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France, SymphonHy is the largest integrated fuel cell production site in Europe.

The site houses the JV’s headquarters, a production plant, an innovation hub, and the Symbio Hydrogen Academy.

The site has a high level of automation and robotics supporting large-scale industrial production at a more competitive cost. 

Stellantis was the first company to market a zero-emission hydrogen solution for light commercial vehicles for the Peugeot e-Expert, Citroën e-Jumpy and Opel Vivaro-e models.

Carlos TAVARES, CEO of Stellantis, says: “Symbio is the proof that three French-rooted and leading companies in their respective fields can join forces and expertise to be at the forefront. Today’s inauguration marks an important step as hydrogen is part of the mix of technologies we are bringing forward for commercial vehicle customers. This technology is a building block of the powerful electrification ecosystem we are developing to support our bold goal to reach, by 2030, 100% electric sales in Europe and 50% in the U.S."

Philippe ROSIER, CEO of Symbio, adds: “Together with the entire ecosystem and our private and public partners, we are ready to scale up and make hydrogen electric mobility, a sustainable, high-performance, and affordable reality. Delivered in less than two years, SymphonHy is testimonial of Symbio’s ability to meet its industrial commitments, underpinning the acceleration of zero-emission hydrogen mobility deployment. The first 100% fuel cell system assembled at SymphonHy was produced in October 2023, just one month after the gigafactory became operational.”

Stellantis is planning to be carbon net zero by 2038.