"For example, a breakthrough in better batteries could supplant hydrogen. Better solar cells could replace or win out in this race to the fuel of the future. Those, I see, as the three big competitors: hydrogen, solar cells and then better batteries"

Bob Inglis is suggesting that there are three main contenders in the race to find the fuel of the future. These contenders are hydrogen, solar cells, and better batteries. He believes that a breakthrough in much better batteries could replace hydrogen as the fuel of the future. Similarly, better solar batteries could also replace or win out in the race. This recommends that the future of fuel is uncertain which any of these 3 contenders might be the winner. Inglis is stressing the importance of research and development in the field of energy storage and generation in order to discover the most effective and sustainable fuel of the future. He is likewise suggesting that the competition in between these three competitors is ongoing and that any of them might be the winner.