General Motors (GM) has announced the termination of its next-generation hydrogen fuel cell development program under its HYDROTEC brand, marking a strategic shift toward battery-electric technologies with clearer commercial prospects.
While GM will discontinue future hydrogen R&D efforts, it will continue producing hydrogen fuel cells for data centers and power generation through Fuel Cell System Manufacturing LLC, its joint venture with Honda.
The automaker cited high costs, limited infrastructure, and slow consumer adoption as key reasons for the decision. Despite hydrogen’s potential in heavy industries, mining, and backup power, the technology faces steep challenges in achieving large-scale viability. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, only 61 hydrogen refueling stations currently operate nationwide — a stark contrast to more than 250,000 electric vehicle charging locations across the country.
In a statement, GM emphasized its intent to “focus on technologies that show the clearest path to scale and customer value,” reaffirming its commitment to batteries, charging innovation, and electric vehicles (EVs) as the foundation of its future mobility strategy.
The decision aligns with GM’s broader vision to accelerate EV adoption and advance its Ultium battery platform, which powers the next generation of Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac electric models.
By narrowing its technological focus, GM aims to strengthen its position in the rapidly expanding EV market while acknowledging the slower commercial trajectory of hydrogen-powered mobility.
