Trends in transportation sector technology energy use and greenhouse gas emissions

Abstract

Concerns about air pollution, environmental degradation, and petroleum consumption have prompted policy makers in many countries to seek advanced transportation alternatives. In response to such societal needs, automobile manufacturers have develope vehicles which either replace the internal combustion engine with an electric motor or which provide a hybrid configuration with a combination of an IC engine (ICE) and an electric motor. In some concepts, fuel cells replace the IC engine in a hybrid vehicle configuration. Several of these technologies have been brought to market by auto manufacturers, with initial product offerings. In other cases, advanced concept cars are being developed to further these technologies. In response to these same concerns, research and development projects are underway to make the ICE vehicles more efficient. These projects have involved both improvements in engine/drive train efficiency as well as more efficient heating-cooling systems. This paper provides an overview of the transportation sector usage patterns, energy consumption, and emissions, and discusses the societal issues which impact decisions on transportation issues. The article then provides an overview of the electrotechnological advances which are being developed to address transportation energy use and emissions issues, and discusses the potential for emissions reduction through the successful deployment of these and competing technologies. The article concludes that reduction in transportation sector carbon emissions are achievable.