OPmobility's Vision for Decarbonisation: A Call to Embrace Diverse Technologies, Including Hydrogen
Key Ideas
- OPmobility's CEO advocates for a multi-technology approach to decarbonisation, emphasizing the importance of hydrogen alongside electric vehicles.
- Laurent Favre highlights the maturity and importance of hydrogen technology, especially for heavy-duty transport like trucks, in meeting upcoming European regulations.
- Concerns are raised about Europe lagging behind in hydrogen infrastructure development, with a call for increased government support and the need for more hydrogen stations along major routes.
- Despite challenges, Favre believes that industry leaders in Europe can lead the way in mastering hydrogen technology and aims to be ready by 2030 and 2035.
OPmobility's CEO, Laurent Favre, is making a strong case for a comprehensive approach to decarbonisation, urging a shift away from solely relying on 100% electric vehicles and embracing a mix of technologies, including hydrogen. In an interview, Favre stressed the significance of hydrogen technology, particularly for heavy-duty transport such as trucks, as diesel phase-out regulations loom by 2030. He highlighted OPmobility's substantial investments in hydrogen, emphasizing its maturity and the company's current partnerships with major automakers.
However, Favre expressed concerns over Europe's slower progress in hydrogen infrastructure compared to countries like Japan, Korea, and China. He called for more government support and the establishment of hydrogen stations every 200 km along major transportation routes. Despite the existing challenges, Favre remains optimistic, pointing to the expertise of European industry leaders and their potential to lead in hydrogen technology.
With the Paris Motor Show as a backdrop, the spotlight is on whether French President Emmanuel Macron will heed Favre's message. By advocating for a diverse range of decarbonisation technologies with an emphasis on the role of hydrogen, OPmobility aims to shape the future of sustainable transportation.