Michelin advances hydrogen mobility with two partnership contracts 

Clermont-Ferrand – Michelin’s hydrogen fuel cell subsidiary Symbio is currently working with major automotive and commercial vehicle suppliers to advance the development of hydrogen-powered vehicles.

The Michelin-Faurecia joint venture is partnering with Stellantis, which was formed following the merger of Fiat Chrysler and PSA Group earlier this year, to advance the group’s hydrogen fuel cell-powered commercial vehicles. 

According to Michelin, the Amsterdam-based automotive group is converting several of its commercial vehicles to hydrogen, including the Peugeot Expert, Citroën Jumpy, and Opel Vivaro.

Symbio’s system will offer these vehicles a 400km range and “refueling in just minutes,” Michelin said in a 15 April statement. 

In addition, Symbio has partnered with bus maker Safra to design the first French hydrogen buses.

The two companies have recently signed a new contract to develop 1,500 hydrogen fuel cell buses. 

The vehicles will be equipped with Symbio’s special “plug and play” solution made of a 45-kW fuel cell combined with a compressor and power converter.

“These new projects demonstrate our ability to adapt our standard hydrogen systems (StackPack) to the specific needs of our clients,” said Philippe Rosier, CEO of Symbio. 

By 2030, Rosier said, Symbio plans to produce 200,000 systems per year for the entire automotive industry.

Symbio has launched the construction of its fuel cell plant in Saint-Fons, France, and expects to commission it in 2023.

The latest partnerships follow a partnership with Mission H24 (the 24 Hours of Le Mans) in June last year to introduce fuel cell technology to endurance racing.