More and more companies are investing in sustainable transportation — a shift driven by a growing awareness of climate change and the urgent need for cleaner alternatives.
So, what can you expect to see in the next five years? The next 10? From light-duty vehicles and electric mobility to e-roads and innovative travel apps, here are some safe predictions.
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Innovations in Light-Duty Vehicles
While light-duty vehicles (LDVs) are a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, current strides are being made to reduce emissions and make them more sustainable.
LDVs are passenger cars and trucks that weigh less than 8,500 pounds — a weight class the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency uses to certify fuel economy and emissions. In recent years, three technologies have emerged to cut emissions from light-duty vehicles:
- Biofuels: Biofuels are made from renewable resources like plants. They have a lower climate change impact than diesel and petrol.
- Hydrogen: Hydrogen can be used in fuel cells to generate electricity. Hydrogen combustion engines with oxygen produce water, which results in little to no tail-pipe carbon dioxide emissions.
- Electric power: Electric vehicles are powered by batteries that recharge using the power grid. Electrifying LDVs can significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions. For example, a battery-electric pickup truck can save 74 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent over its lifetime compared to an internal-combustion-engine pickup.
Light-duty vehicles are easier to decarbonize than transportation modes like aircraft and ships. For this reason, you will likely see more states supporting industry and government initiatives to accelerate light-duty EV adoption.
Efficient Freight Movement
Freight transport accounts for 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions. When warehouses and ports are included, the contribution increases to 11%. Several improvements are being made today to enhance efficiency and reduce fuel use.
For example, new aircraft models are more aerodynamic and use efficient engines to reduce weight and fuel use. Research is ongoing to find alternative and sustainable aviation fuels from renewable sources like biofuels and sustainable feedstocks. Cooking oil, waste materials and algae are all materials that offer lower carbon emissions than traditional jet fuels.
Airlines and maritime transport also use advanced routing and flight planning techniques. These methods enhance routes and minimize excessive fuel use. Additionally, automated systems can enhance loading and unloading efficiency, reducing idle time at ports while lowering emissions. As these advancements continue growing, they have the power to impact the planet positively while promoting economic growth in green sector jobs.
Electric Mobility
Transport vehicles are becoming more electric in the global effort to reduce carbon emissions. Airlines are looking into electrification for short-haul flights to minimize air transport’s carbon footprint. Fully electric buses are also growing more popular by the day.
While some experts say it could take decades for electric planes to be ready for widespread use, some airlines have set ambitious goals. United Airlines hopes to electrify aircraft as soon as 2026. Countries like Sweden and Denmark have promised fossil-fuel-free domestic flights by 2030. Additionally, Air Canada announced it would buy 30 electric-hybrid regional aircraft from Sweden’s Heart Aerospace, expecting its 30-seat plane to be in service by 2028.
The electric bus market is also expected to reach $53 billion by 2027 — a compound annual growth rate of 9.5%. The adoption of these buses will continue to grow, with 38 states already committed to 12,720 electric buses. Electrifying these modes of transportation can have an immense impact on the environment, offering a cleaner, quieter and more efficient alternative to traditional transportation methods.
Travel Apps and Technologies
When technology and sustainability combine, the possibilities for reducing one’s carbon footprint are endless. The following apps and technologies have the power to increase transportation sustainability:
- Carpooling and ridesharing apps: These apps can help commuters reduce fuel use and pollution while decreasing traffic congestion. Cycling and bike-sharing apps can green people’s travel by increasing the number of cyclists on the road.
- Automatic train operation (ATO): ATO is a technology system that allows trains to operate and drive automatically. Consisting of multiple subsystems controlling different parts of the train, ATO can increase safety and improve operational parameters like efficiency, capacity and energy usage.
- IoT sensors: These sensors can determine fuel use, helping to regulate estimates and adjust usage plans. Fleet managers can use IoT and data analytics to lower fuel consumption and carbon footprint.
- Intelligent transportation systems: These systems use the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence and machine learning to monitor traffic and improve transportation efficiency. They can reduce traffic congestion, air and noise pollution, and traffic accidents.
E-Roads
E-roads are a sustainable innovation for shipping and traveling long distances. Sweden and Germany are at the forefront of developing these roads, which have power lines installed beneath the surface. The power lines automatically recharge vehicles as they drive along the road, often using the same induction technology used in induction stoves.
Sweden is currently working on a stretch of e-road, which may lead to an expansion of a further 1,800 miles of electric roads by 2035. They are also experimenting with additional roadways using an electrified rail, akin to the third rail found in subway systems. As vehicles travel over this rail, a charging arm attached to the vehicle’s chassis automatically extends to touch it, allowing the car to charge until it exits the zone.
These innovative approaches can reduce the reliance on traditional charging stations while promoting seamless travel for electric vehicles across vast distances. As more countries adopt similar technologies, expect significant advancements in sustainable transportation infrastructure.
Smart Cities and Intelligent Transport Systems
Smart cities use cutting-edge technologies to deliver efficient services, with transport being a key area. Intelligent transport systems (ITS) is a technology optimizing transport for efficiency and sustainability. It can do the following:
- Provide real-time traffic information: ITS offers real-time traffic information and helps commuters avoid congested paths. This can lead to shorter travel times, reducing fuel consumption and emissions.
- Reveal occupancy levels: ITS also offers information about train occupancy levels so travelers can choose less crowded trains or buses.
- Recommend routes: Intelligent transport systems can recommend the best routes and modes for freight transport as well as passenger transport.
- Analyze traffic patterns: By analyzing traffic patterns alongside environmental impact, ITS can guide logistics companies toward greener alternatives, such as using electric trucks or rail systems instead of diesel-powered vehicles.
Fostering a culture of sustainable mobility creates healthier cities where residents can thrive while actively reducing their carbon footprints together.
Sustainable Transportation Initiatives are Paving the Way Toward a Greener Future
Advancements in technology, public awareness and supportive policies can accelerate the transition toward a sustainable future. By embracing innovations like electric mobility and intelligent transport systems, humanity can pave the way for a future where transportation is efficient and environmentally responsible.
Looking ahead, the world will likely see more widespread adoption of electric vehicles, renewable energy in transport systems and technologies for efficient freight movement. These innovations, internal cooperation and ongoing research can contribute to a greener, more sustainable transportation system.