Symbio inaugurates its first gigafactory SymphonHy, Europe’s largest integrated site producing hydrogen fuel cells, supporting the deployment of sustainable and efficient mobility

SymphonHy: Europe’s Largest Integrated Fuel Cell Production Site

SymphonHy, the first gigafactory of Symbio, a joint venture between Forvia, Michelin, and Stellantis, is being inaugurated today in Saint-Fons, France. This state-of-the-art facility is a center of technological and industrial excellence and reinforces Symbio’s position as a leader in the field. The site includes the company’s headquarters, a production plant, an innovation hub, and the Symbio Hydrogen Academy. With its advanced technology and automation, SymphonHy enables large-scale industrial production of fuel cells at a competitive cost, supporting the development of high-performance hydrogen-powered transportation and contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

SymphonHy in Numbers

• Current production capacity: 16,000 units (to reach 50,000 by 2026)
• Surface area: 26,000 m² (to expand to 40,000 m² by 2026)
• Innovation space: 7,000 m²
• Certified cleanrooms: 8,000 m²
• Number of engineers: over 450 (including 100 dedicated to innovation and around 20 PhDs)
• Energy self-sufficiency and BREEAM certification: “Very Good”

SymphonHy: Making Zero-Emission Hydrogen Mobility Affordable

Symbio, with its extensive experience of over 30 years and the support of its shareholders, is committed to making zero-emission hydrogen mobility affordable without compromising performance. The company offers a wide range of solutions for efficient zero-emission mobility, catering to various vehicle types and applications.

Stellantis, a co-shareholder of Symbio, has already introduced zero-emission hydrogen solutions for light commercial vehicles and plans to expand its range to include large vans and pickups. All these vehicles will be equipped with fuel cells produced by Symbio.

Philippe ROSIER, CEO of SYMBIO: “SymphonHy is proof of Europe’s industrial and technological leadership. Together with our partners, we are ready to scale up and make hydrogen electric mobility a sustainable, high-performance, and affordable reality.”

Patrick KOLLER, CEO of FORVIA: “This plant is further proof of our commitment to zero-emission mobility. FORVIA believes in hydrogen technology as the only credible alternative to battery electrification.”

Florent MENEGAUX, CEO of MICHELIN: “This technology is now proving to be an essential addition to satisfy the need for longer range, particularly for commercial vehicles.”

Carlos TAVARES, CEO of STELLANTIS: “Hydrogen will contribute to reaching our ambitious carbon net zero by 2038 target, ahead of the competition in our fight against climate change.”

HyMotive: A Strategic Project for Sustainable Mobility

SymphonHy is part of HyMotive, a strategic industrial and technological project supported by the European Union and the French government. With a total investment of €1 billion, HyMotive aims to double the production capacity in France to 100,000 systems per year by 2028. The project also focuses on developing technology to enhance the competitiveness of fuel cell technology and achieve parity with battery-powered electric mobility and traditional thermal technology by 2030.

The HyMotive project is expected to create 1,000 jobs, contributing to the growth of the clean mobility sector.

Symbio: A Global Leader in Fuel Cells

Symbio is determined to become a world-class industrial champion of fuel cell technology. In addition to SymphonHy, the company has a pilot plant in California and plans to establish a new fuel cell gigafactory in the United States to support the growing hydrogen mobility market in North America. Symbio aims to produce 200,000 fuel cell units worldwide by 2030.

About Symbio

Symbio is a frontrunner in zero-emission hydrogen mobility and a leading partner in sustainable mobility. With its extensive experience, advanced technology, and largest integrated fuel cell gigafactory in Europe, Symbio designs and manufactures a wide range of fuel cell systems for various applications. The company aims to produce 200,000 units per year by 2030, accelerating the deployment of clean and sustainable mobility.

About Forvia

FORVIA is the 7th largest automotive technology supplier globally, combining the strengths of Faurecia and HELLA. With a comprehensive approach and a strong focus on innovation, FORVIA aims to be the preferred partner for automotive OEMs worldwide. The company is committed to driving the transformation of mobility and believes in hydrogen technology as a credible alternative to battery electrification.

About Michelin

Michelin is a leading mobility company dedicated to enhancing sustainable mobility through its innovative products and services. With a presence in 175 countries, Michelin provides tires, digital services, and high-technology materials to meet the diverse needs of its customers. The company is actively involved in the development of hydrogen-powered vehicles and supports the energy transition in the transportation sector.

About Stellantis

Stellantis is one of the world’s leading automakers and a provider of mobility solutions. The company’s iconic brands offer innovative products and services, aiming to become a sustainable mobility tech company. Stellantis is committed to achieving carbon neutrality and is actively exploring hydrogen technology as part of its electrification ecosystem.

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