More than 700 people gathered in Alès, in the Gard, on July 7 and 8, 2021 to discover the latest means of ecological transport. Different “clean” propulsion modes were exhibited: electric, hydrogen, gas. Economic and industrial players, TotalEnergies or even Enedis, were present, but also national and international political representatives, such as Jean-Luc Gibelin, vice-president of the Occitanie region, or Rosalie Matondo, Minister of Forest Economy of Congo .
Faced with climate change, again well illustrated with the temperatures of 49 ° C measured in Canada, the need for an energy transition concerning mobility is all the more felt. “Solutions must be found so that everyone can drive an ecological vehicle“. The first words of the inauguration speech by Marc Teyssier d’Orfeuil, founder of the event, set the trend for meetings. The challenge then is to offer a multiplicity of solutions adapted to each territory, but also to each type of travel.
“Only diversity can make it possible to move forward“
For Marc Teysier d’Orfeuil, “only diversity can make it possible to move forward“. This diversity means using all the available solutions in terms of ecological fuel. Electricity, although the most famous, is not the only source of clean energy. Biofuels are, for example, in the market. test, but also hydrogen and natural gas.The idea is to adapt the solution according to needs.
For individual journeys, electric cars are currently the main variants of the thermal engine. Other solutions exist such as cars running on natural gas, generally methane. It is a “clean” fuel, because it rejects very few fine particles and reduces CO emissions.2 by 25% compared to a gasoline engine. Hydrogen cars are also green alternatives. Hydrogen is used to run a fuel cell that powers an electric motor. These cars only emit water vapor. But so far 95% of production comes from “gray hydrogen”, a hydrogen made from fossil fuels.
Public transport is also concerned. More and more cities are experimenting with hydrogen bus lines. Alès, for its part, is in the test phase of a bus running on “green hydrogen”, presented at the show (see image above). To eliminate CO emissions2 linked to the production of “gray hydrogen”, a green production from the electrolysis of water is, in fact, possible. The electricity needed for electrolysis would then come from photovoltaic panels.
Less classic vehicles are also present throughout the stands. A jet ski, motorcycles and also a paraglider all work with an electric motor. Hydrogen-powered bicycles can be tested by visitors to the show. An electric racing car is also being tested. With an autonomy of 45 minutes, it can reach a speed of 170 km / h.
The retrofit, or when the thermal of an old car becomes electric
The retrofit is also in the spotlight this year. This involves replacing a heat engine with an electric motor on an already existing car. “This process had been banned since 1954“, says Arnaud Pigounides, president of the retrofit company Retrofuture, to Sciences and the Future. “Since April 2020, this practice is authorized for any vehicle over five years old.“, rejoices A. Pigounides. All vehicles can be concerned: truck, bus, car. A 2CV of the 1970s is thus presented with an electric motor under the hood (see photo below).
Credit: Samantha Dizier
This process makes it possible, on the one hand, to reduce the carbon emissions of the vehicle by making it become electric. But it also helps to extend the life of the vehicle by 10 years. The electric motor is then theoretically infinitely replaceable. “As long as the chassis is healthy, you can change the engine forever“, for Arnaud Pigounides. Ademe, the Ecological Transition Agency, published a report in May 2021, which demonstrates the doubly ecological interest of retrofitting: reduction of carbon emissions, but also of the use of raw materials The company is also starting to work on replacements for hydrogen engines, with a target for 2023-2024.
This event is therefore a place for meetings and important debate concerning the transition to greener mobility. In 2040, the sale of new combustion vehicles will be officially banned. This transition will thus have to be accomplished.
Par Samantha Dizier
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