OPmobility’s CEO Calls for Decarbonisation Using Multiple Technologies, Including Hydrogen
As the Paris Motor Show kicks off on Monday and the electric vehicle market slows in Europe and France, Laurent Favre is urging Europe to abandon the 2035 target. In the view of the CEO of OPmobility, mobility should not be limited to 100 percent electric vehicles; decarbonisation should involve a variety of technologies, including hydrogen.
This is a bold stance by OPmobility’s CEO, who expressed his views in an article in Le Figaro, later shared on his LinkedIn account. In the interview, Laurent Favre voiced what many in the industry are thinking: that Europe is falling behind and that 100% electric is not the only solution. Favre argues that the sale of plug-in hybrids (with emissions between 70 and 90g of CO2) should be allowed alongside the development of alternatives like synthetic fuels (e-fuels) and hydrogen combustion.
Hydrogen technology is mature
Later in the interview, Laurent Favre asserts that hydrogen will play a key role in transport. “It’s one of the solutions for trucks, especially with European regulations requiring diesel phase-out by 2030,” he explains. He also highlights that OPmobility is investing “heavily” in hydrogen, with its Compiègne plant, and that the technology is “mature.” The company currently supplies Stellantis, Renault, and Hyundai. However, Favre expresses concern over Europe’s lagging hydrogen production and infrastructure development.
Favre believes public authorities “must support” these efforts. He also notes that “there should be a hydrogen station every 200 km along major routes, but we’re not there yet.” On the other hand, he points out that “Japan, Korea, and China are progressing faster in terms of dedicated infrastructure.” Favre adds that “Europe has industry leaders who have mastered this technology” (Bosch, Symbio, Stellantis, Renault, Daimler Truck, etc.), and believes it’s possible to be ready by 2030 and 2035.
Will the French President Emmanuel Macron, who is attending the Paris Motor Show on Monday, take note of this message?
Do you want to learn more about OPmobility? Then our latest articles about the company should interest you. You can access all our articles written about OPmobility here.
