The era of oil may be coming to an end, at least according to a report published by Shell that predicts there will be no more petroleum-fueled cars by 2070. The oil company came to the conclusion by examining oil use and regulation scenarios and published it in a 46-page analysis.

Shell speculates that the future is in hydrogen. It predicts that by the end of the century there will be an “extensive” hydrogen infrastructure – enough to support nearly all uses currently filled by petroleum. Normal road users may make the switch even sooner, as Shell predicts the final vehicles to use petroleum will be for long distance and heavy loads.

However, Shell does not think that the world has reached peak petroleum demand yet. During the transition to hydrogen, the demand for natural gas and electricity will grow, but most cars will still use petroleum-based fuels. It predicts the global peak will be reached in 2035.

The auto market is already seeing the first hydrogen-fueled vehicles. HondaHondaJapan, 1948 > present102 models
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has leased the FCXHonda FCX Gen.1Japan, 1999 > present2 versions
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to select buyers since 2007, and both Honda and ToyotaToyotaJapan, 1937 > present155 models
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are promising to have hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicles on sale to consumers before the end of the decade. DaimlerDaimlerGermany, 1889 > present12 models
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has also been working on how to bring the technology to market.

The key to the future of hydrogen will be building a refueling infrastructure. The number of refueling points currently number in the hundreds worldwide. It will take a concerted worldwide effort to wean the world off of petroleum as Shell predicts.

Source: Auto Express