July 05, 2024 – Nobel Prize winner in Chemistry, Akira Yoshino, has recently stated that gas stations may cease to exist by 2050. Yoshino, who revolutionized the battery industry by developing the world’s first rechargeable lithium-ion battery prototype in 1983, envisions a future where fossil fuel-powered vehicles are phased out in favor of electric alternatives.
Five years after Yoshino’s initial battery prototype, the modern lithium battery was born. Fast forward to 1991, and Sony successfully commercialized the lithium battery, with Yoshino being a key figure in its development for use in smartphones and electric cars.
According to Yoshino, new energy vehicles currently account for an average of 15% of new car sales worldwide, with China potentially seeing a higher percentage of around 25% to 30%. He predicts that if a new product can achieve a 15% market share after its launch, there could be a significant leap forward. By 2050, he anticipates a major shift in market demand as new energy vehicles reach a critical mass.
Yoshino’s prediction raises the question of whether fossil fuel-powered cars will eventually be replaced by new energy vehicles, rendering gas stations obsolete. This vision aligns with the global trend towards sustainable energy and reduced carbon emissions. Whether this outcome is supported or not, it reflects a broader discussion about the future of transportation and energy consumption.