As part of a study entitled “Fuels of the Future”, KPMG France asked a panel* to assess the potential of six solutions for decarbonising mobility. Electrification solutions came out on top.
With European regulations banning the sale of petrol and diesel engines as of 2035, the “Fuels of the Future” study has examined the prospects for six energy solutions designed to contribute to cleaner mobility by 2050: electric batteries, thermal and electric hybrid solutions, hydrogen, decarbonised synthetic fuels, biofuels and natural gas.
To do so, KPMG interviewed a panel who were asked to give their views on the proportion that each of the possible technological solutions would account for in the European energy mix by 2050. Electric batteries topped the list, with 48% of respondents convinced that this solution will make a major contribution to low-carbon mobility. Just behind in line were hydrogen fuel cells (16%), followed by thermal-electric hybrid solutions (12%), while synthetic fuels and biofuels accounted for 7% each.
Batteries and hydrogen, a growing investment
In terms of investment, the electric battery accounts for a large proportion of the investment effort, with an index of 6.9/10, confirming its position as an essential flagship for energy transition. Hydrogen, on the other hand, scores 4.6/10 for fuel cell technology, showing that it is playing an increasingly crucial role.
“The second edition of the KPMG study “Fuels of the Future” reveals the importance of electric batteries in the transition to clean mobility and the achievement of carbon neutrality targets, as well as the growing hopes placed in hydrogen.” stated Nicolas Leonetti, Associate Partner, Operations & Performance Strategy at KPMG France. He also added: “Compared with the first study we carried out in 2020, the significant breakthrough in electric technology solutions also reflects the rapid technological advances in batteries, fuel cells and their respective value chains, which are fuelling the rise of electric vehicles.”
*3 car manufacturers, 4 subsystem suppliers, 2 aircraft manufacturers, 3 energy solution providers, 2 start-ups, 2 logistics companies, 1 GAFAM, 2 non-profit industry associations focusing on future mobility, 1 transport trade union and a research institute with recognised expertise in the field.
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Article written by Laurent Meillaud and translated by Mariem Ben Tili
