Stellantis recalls three hydrogen van models due to risk of H2 leaks and fires
Source：hydrogeninsight
The world’s third-largest automaker, Stellantis, has recalled three models of its hydrogen-powered vans in Europe due to the risk of H2 leaks and fires.
According to the EU’s Safety Gate, the bloc’s rapid alert system for dangerous non-food products, fuel-cell versions of the Citroen Jumpy, Peugeot Expert and Opel Vivaro (also known as Ë-Jumpy e-Expert and Vivaro-e), have been recalled, and the reason for each recall is identical.
“A hydrogen leak can occur between the tank’s outer cover and the protective lining,” the three recall alerts state under “risk description”.
“If the vehicle’s hydrogen sensors detect the leak while driving, the fuel-cell system will shut off. The vehicle will then only run in electric (battery) mode, with a very limited range of about 30 km and no ability to recharge hydrogen on board.
“If the vehicle is parked, the hydrogen sensors do not operate. In this case, hydrogen could build up under the vehicle which increases the risk of hydrogen catching fire.”
The recall affects units of the Citroen Jumpy produced between 3 June 2022 and 29 August 2023; Peugeot Experts manufactured between 21 May 2022 and 8 March 2024; and Opel Vivaros made between 14 September 2021 and 30 September 2023.
Stellantis introduced hydrogen-powered versions of its battery-electric van models in January 2024, and almost immediately sold 150 Peugeot Expert fuel-cell vans to French company Hysetco, which planned to lease them to customers. But no other sales were subsequently announced.
Serial production of the eight models, including the three that have now been recalled, had been planned to begin in the summer of 2025 at manufacturing sites in France and Poland, but the Netherlands-headquartered company announced in July this year that this would not go ahead.
“Due to limited availability of hydrogen refueling infrastructure, high capital requirements, and the need for stronger consumer purchasing incentives, the Company does not anticipate the adoption of hydrogen-powered light commercial vehicles before the end of the decade,” Stellantis said at the time.