Sustainable Transport Solutions Research Articles

Sustainable Transportation Solutions in Remote Areas: Static Analysis of Vertical Axis Wind Turbines for Enhanced Efficiency of Wind-Powered Cars

It is imperative that a sustainable transportation system, powered by renewable energy resources, be implemented in order to mitigate the impacts of climate change and enhance living standards. A Wind-Powered Car (WPC) is a vehicle that employs a connection between the vehicle and wind turbine blades, thereby leveraging the advantages of wind kinetic energy. The energy is then conveyed directly to the car's wheels via a system of mechanical connections and gears, enabling the vehicle to move without the use of fossil fuels. The absence of an internal combustion engine results in the generation of negligible emissions. The primary objective of this study is to examine the static aerodynamic drag of nine WPC designs with diverse blade configurations of Vertical Axis Wind Turbines (VAWT). To achieve this objective, Autodesk Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) was employed to model the aerodynamic drag of WPC designs at varying wind speeds of 4 m/s, 6 m/s, and 8 m/s. The comparative analysis revealed that model 8, featuring a 3-blade Savonius wind turbine without a circular end plate, demonstrated superior efficiency among all car models. This is evident in its ability to generate the highest mechanical power compared to other blade designs. These findings contribute to the understanding of aerodynamic performance in VAWT cars, offering valuable insights for further design optimization. Furthermore, the results highlight model 8 as a promising solution for sustainable transportation, aligned with SDG 7 and SDG 11, through the development of clean and efficient wind-powered vehicles.

Charging Scheduling of Electric Vehicles Considering Uncertain Arrival Times and Time-of-Use Price

To advance sustainable transportation solutions, this work investigates an electric vehicle charging scheduling problem under the uncertainty of vehicle arrival times. Given a set of appointed electric vehicles, the objective of the considered problem is to explore charging strategies that minimize the total charging cost for the charging station. To address this problem, this work first establishes a mixed-integer programming model. Then, an enhanced sample average approximation approach alongside two versions of distribution-free approaches are applied to solve the studied problem. Additionally, this study introduces a BP neural network-enhanced distribution-free approach to efficiently resolve the problem. Finally, numerical experiments are conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approaches.

Impact of driving characteristic parameters and vehicle type on fuel consumption and emissions performance over real driving cycles.

With the growing need for sustainable transportation solutions, understanding the relationship between driving characteristic parameters, vehicle type, and their impact on emissions and fuel consumption over real driving scenarios is becoming increasingly important. In this paper, four conventional vehicles and one hybrid vehicle with different technologies were compared in four distinct routes in Tehran city. Nineteen real driving cycles were generated using widely employed K-means and PCA algorithms. The vehicles were simulated on MATLAB/Simulink according to their specifications. Twelve driving characteristic parameters, fuel consumption, CO, NOx, HC, and CO2 of vehicles with different powertrains, engines, and body styles were calculated over real and standard driving cycles. Notable findings show that driving characteristic parameters exhibit distinct influences on fuel consumption and emissions, depending on the specific driving conditions and vehicle type. Additionally, the hybrid vehicle achieved 39% and 26% fuel savings compared to gasoline and dual fuel vehicles, respectively. However, it emitted significantly higher levels of CO and HC. In contrast, the turbocharged vehicle increased CO and HC emissions compared to the naturally aspirated vehicle, but consumed less fuel (approximately 6%) and emitted lower amounts of CO2 (approximately 19%). In real driving cycles, the sedan vehicle generally exhibited slightly lower values compared to petrol SUV due to lower weight and drag coefficient.

Structural design and safety performance of a novel high-strength steel lightweight guardrail.

Highway guardrails are critical safety infrastructure along roadways, designed to redirect vehicles back into their lanes and facilitate a gradual deceleration to a complete stop. Traditional highway steel guardrails exhibit significant limitations, including inadequate energy absorption, susceptibility to corrosion, and an increased risk of vehicles leaving the roadway during severe collisions. Furthermore, the production and transportation of these guardrails contribute to substantial carbon emissions and environmental pollution. This study presents an optimization of the cross-sectional shape of the conventional corrugated beam guardrail, proposing a lightweight structure that incorporates high yield strength steel plate HR700F to enhance energy absorption capacity. The safety performance of the proposed guardrail is rigorously assessed through finite element numerical simulations and full-scale collision tests with real vehicles. Key performance indicators-such as the maximum dynamic lateral deflection of the guardrail, occupant impact velocity, and acceleration-are utilized to evaluate the energy absorption and protective efficacy of the structure. Results indicate that the optimized guardrail not only meets SB-level safety standards but also demonstrates superior anti-collision performance and effective energy absorption and buffering characteristics. The proposed design achieves a reduction in beam plate thickness by 1.3 mm, resulting in a lightweight structure with a weight reduction of up to 44%, thereby supporting the advancement of low-carbon, environmentally sustainable transportation solutions.

Research on Advanced Material Applications for Enhancing the Performance of New Energy Vehicle Components

This study aims to explore the application of advanced materials in new energy vehicle (NEV) components and assess their contribution to enhancing the overall vehicle performance. With the growing global demand for sustainable transportation solutions, NEVs have become a significant direction for the automotive industry. Against this backdrop, the performance enhancement of components is key to achieving higher energy efficiency, longer driving range, and a better driving experience. This paper first reviews the development history of new energy vehicle technology and the classification of advanced materials, then analyzes in detail the application of advanced materials in battery systems, electric motors and electronic control systems, lightweight structures, and thermal management systems. Through experimental research and case studies, this paper evaluates the specific impact of these materials on component performance and discusses the challenges faced in practical applications and future development directions. The research results show that the application of advanced materials can significantly enhance the performance of new energy vehicles, providing strong technical support for the further development of new energy vehicles. Finally, this paper proposes solutions to the challenges and limitations of performance enhancement in the application of advanced materials and suggests future research directions.

An Analysis Strategic Investment in Smart Mobility and the Impact on Financial Performance of BLUE HYUNDAI

This study explores the strategic investment in smart mobility initiatives by Blue Hyundai and evaluates its impact on the company's financial performance. With the growing demand for innovative, sustainable, and technology-driven transportation solutions, smart mobility has emerged as a critical area of focus for automotive companies. This analysis investigates the relationship between investments in smart mobility technologies—such as electric vehicles (EVs), connected cars, and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS)—and key financial performance indicators, including revenue growth, profitability, and market share. The research employs both qualitative and quantitative methods, drawing on financial reports, market trends, and industry data. Findings highlight the potential of smart mobility to enhance operational efficiency, attract environmentally-conscious consumers, and secure long-term competitiveness, while also identifying challenges such as high initial costs and regulatory complexities. Keywords: Smart Mobility, Strategic Investment, Financial Performance, Blue Hyundai, Electric Vehicles, Technology Integration.

Matching Methods of Shared Parking Slots Considering Overdue Parking Behavior

With the continuous increase in the number of vehicles worldwide, parking challenges have become more severe, making it a shared goal for governments to alleviate parking difficulties in urban centers. Shared parking has emerged as an effective solution to address parking problems and has been widely studied in recent years. However, existing research primarily focuses on static or single-period parking matching, often neglecting the conflicts between overdue parking users and subsequent users. Therefore, addressing the impact of overdue parking on shared parking systems is highly important. This study proposes a multi-period dynamic matching decision model (MDMD), which divides the operation period of the shared parking platform into multiple decision points. At each decision point, parking demands are classified into four categories: newly arriving demands, allocated demands with a start time not within the current decision point, overdue demands during the current decision point, and demands affected by overdue parking. Three decision variables are established to determine matching schemes for the first, second, and fourth types of parking demands, facilitating a dynamic decision-making process that effectively mitigates the impact of overdue parking. A corresponding algorithm is designed to solve the model. Since the single-period model is a linear programming model, the CPLEX solver obtains allocation schemes for each decision point. These schemes, along with new parking demands, are used as input for the next decision point, achieving a dynamic matching process. Simulation experiments are conducted to compare the MDMD model with the traditional First-Book-First-Served (FBFS) model based on platform revenue, parking space utilization, and parking demand acceptance rate. The experimental results show that, compared to FBFS, MDMD improves long-term earnings by 83%, actual profits in recent profits by 6.6%, and parking space utilization by 8% while maintaining a similar parking demand acceptance rate. To validate the robustness of the model, additional simulations are performed under various overdue probability scenarios, demonstrating that MDMD maintains stable system performance across different probabilities. These improvements highlight the advantages of the dynamic matching strategy, distinguishing this study from existing methods lacking adaptability. These findings provide valuable insights for the optimization of shared parking systems, contributing to sustainable transportation solutions and efficient urban mobility management.

Enhancing Electric Bicycle Efficiency: Investigating Regenerative Braking and Pedal Charging Systems

Electric bicycles (e-bikes) are gaining global popularity as part of the broader shift towards electric vehicles (EVs). This research presents a regenerative electric bicycle designed to maximize energy efficiency, aiming for a top speed of 45 km/h and a range of 50 km. The bicycle incorporates two key energy recovery systems: a downhill regenerative system that captures braking energy and converts it into electricity, and a pedal charging system that converts pedaling kinetic energy to recharge the battery. A digital signal processing system seamlessly switches between charging and electric drive based on rider input. This study examines the effectiveness of these systems. The regenerative braking system achieved an impressive 30.9% efficiency in capturing energy during testing. The pedal charging system initially demonstrated an efficiency of 2.98%. MATLAB simulations revealed clear trends in force and power requirements across different grades (0°, 2.5°, 5°, 7.5°, and 10°), highlighting the crucial role of aerodynamic drag and gradient resistance in influencing performance and energy efficiency. While controlled testing environments require further real-world evaluation, these findings underscore the promising potential of regenerative braking and pedal charging for enhancing electric bicycle efficiency. This research paves the way for the development of more efficient and accessible electric bicycles, promoting sustainable transportation solutions through the selection of durable, efficient, and environmentally friendly components.

Possibilities of Improving the Emission Characteristics of Passenger Cars by Controlling the Concentration Levels of Combustion-Generated BTEX Components

Replacing the alkyl lead derivatives with aromatic hydrocarbons and additives in modern reformulated fuels to improve internal combustion engine performance, lower fuel consumption, increase power, and improve emission characteristics have resulted in the emission of large quantities of BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene) compounds into the atmospheric compartment. In this research, how the different working regimes of an experimental engine affect the BTEX compound concentration levels was observed to evaluate the quantities emitted during the movement of a passenger car in urban driving conditions. The target compounds were analyzed in exhaust gas samples using the Photovac Voyager-mobile GC (Waltham, MA, USA). This experimental research demonstrates that optimizing engine operational parameters significantly reduces the concentration levels of BTEX compounds in exhaust gas mixtures by adjusting specific working regimes, contributing to better emission characteristics and promoting sustainable transportation solutions. The most significant effect of the independent increase in air quantity in the feed mixture is realized through the decrease in concentration levels of toluene in the exhaust gas mixture of approximately 81%. A significant reduction in concentration levels is achieved with m,p-xylene (79%) and o-xylene (79%) as well, whilst the lowest effect has been noted with benzene (73%) and ethylbenzene (71%).

Design and Implementation of Sustainable Transportation- Electrical Velomobile

Velomobiles exemplify a cutting-edge solution for sustainable transportation, merging design, efficiency, and eco-friendliness. These human-powered vehicles combine the benefits of bicycles with a streamlined, enclosed structure, offering a practical alternative to traditional transport. Constructed from lightweight materials like carbon fiber, velomobiles prioritize aerodynamics, comfort, and functionality. Their enclosed design shields riders from weather, making them suitable for year-round use, while their three-wheel stability and ergonomic seating enhance comfort and ease of handling. The aerodynamic structure reduces energy demands, ensuring efficiency even in stop-and-go urban traffic. Beyond comfort and design, velomobiles contribute significantly to sustainability. They offer a zero-emission alternative to cars, reduce urban congestion, and promote physical fitness. With storage compartments for convenience, they address common limitations of bicycles. By making cycling safer and more appealing, velomobiles encourage a shift toward greener commuting, helping cities tackle pollution and climate challenges effectively.

Analysis of Tools Supporting Travel Planning by Public Transport in Łódź

Today, as climate change becomes more and more visible, we need new, more sustainable transport solutions. One of them is travel planners, which are crucial in the process of moving around. The general availability of planners' travel and the ease of their use encourages more and more groups of people to use them. They consider the combination of different means of transport and optimise the user's journey in terms of parameters he selects, e.g., time, cost, ecological effect or the number of transfers or minimising the walking distance. This means that by making the right choice, we can travel responsibly. Awareness of this fact allows us to take care of the natural environment, promote sustainable transport, and, consequently, protect our planet for future generations. The article analyses IT tools – mobile and internet applications – supporting travel planning by various means of public transport in Łódź. The selection of travel planners for analysis was based on available studies, reports and internet rankings. Deductive reasoning was used to assess their usefulness for travel planning. The study ends with indications of what information in applications enabling travel planning is considered the most important, valuable and helpful for the user – traveller.

Layout Planning of a Basic Public Transit Network Considering Expected Travel Times and Transportation Efficiency

Urban transit systems are crucial for modern cities, providing sustainable and efficient transportation solutions for residents’ daily commutes. Extensive research has been conducted on optimizing the design of transit systems. Among these studies, designing transit line trajectories and setting operating frequencies are critical components at the strategic planning level, and they are typically implemented in an urban integrated transportation network. However, its computational complexity grows exponentially with the expansion of urban integrated transportation networks, resulting in challenges to global optimization in large-scale cities. To address this problem, this study investigates the layout planning of a basic public transit network (BPTN) to simplify the urban integrated transportation network by filtering out road segments and intersections that are unattractive for both users and operators. A non-linear integer programming model is proposed to maximize the utility of the BPTN, which is defined as a weighted sum of expected travel times (from a user perspective) and transportation efficiency (from an operator perspective). An expected transit flow distribution (ETFD) analysis method is developed, combining different assignment approaches to evaluate the expected travel time and transportation efficiency of the BPTN under various types of transit systems. Moreover, we propose an objective–subjective integrated weighting approach to determine reasonable weight coefficients for travel time and transportation efficiency. The problem is solved by a heuristic solution framework with a topological graph simplification (TGS) process that further simplifies the BPTN into a small-scale graph. Numerical experiments demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed model and algorithm in achieving desirable BPTN layouts for different types of transit systems under variable demand structures. The scale of the BPTN is significantly reduced while maintaining a well-balanced trade-off between expected travel time and transportation efficiency.

Design and validation of an electrically assisted modular attachment demonstrator for lightweight cycles

Sustainable transportation solutions are essential for enhancing resource efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Significant contributions to this goal have been made by the cycling sector by increasing its presence in urban areas logistics. The primary means for this increase is the usage of cargo cycles. There are numerous advantages associated with it, such as: high versatility, functionality without emissions, lightweight build, and the ability to travel through areas in which conventional vehicles are prohibited. This paper reports the process of designing an experimental demonstrator for an electrically assisted attachment that can be used to convert most cycle vehicles into cargo variants. The attachment is designed to overcome one of the major drawbacks of traditional cargo cycles, namely the lack of modularity. This implies that users previously had to transport the empty cargo area even when not actively involved in delivery tasks. By removing the attachment, the user can convert the cycle for personal use. However, when required, the attachment can be added which, together with the electrical assistance system, can increase delivery efficiency. The paper aims to present the development process of the three-dimensional model of the attachment using computer-aided design techniques, highlighting the universal coupling mechanism and variable storage space. Additionally, vehicle dynamics simulations were performed to evaluate the stability of the system during operation and to ensure the validity of the proposed design.

Sustainable Urban mobility: Lessons from European Cities

The rising urgency of climate change and rapid urbanization has compelled cities worldwide to prioritize sustainable urban mobility. This article explores the innovative strategies implemented by leading European cities—such as Amsterdam, Copenhagen, and Vienna—in fostering sustainable transport solutions, including dedicated cycling infrastructure, car-free zones, and integrated public transport systems. By examining these cities' comprehensive approaches to urban planning, policy frameworks, and public engagement, this article highlights the key factors contributing to their success in reducing emissions, enhancing urban liveability, and shifting public behaviour toward sustainable modes of transport. Through a comparative analysis of these cities’ approaches, the study aims to offer actionable insights for global cities seeking to adopt similar sustainable mobility practices. In conclusion, the article discusses the critical role of policy support, infrastructure investment, and community involvement in making urban mobility more sustainable, equitable, and accessible, emphasizing the scalability of European models for cities around the world.

A Systematic Literature Review Of Satellite-Based Monitoring Systems In Road Transportation: Techniques, Applications, And Challenges

This study presents a systematic review of the advancements, applications, and challenges associated with satellite-based monitoring systems in road transportation, encompassing real-time traffic management, road safety, infrastructure planning, and environmental sustainability. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a total of 65 peer-reviewed articles were analyzed to provide a comprehensive understanding of these systems. The findings highlight that satellite-based technologies have significantly enhanced transportation efficiency by enabling real-time congestion detection, reducing response times during emergencies, and optimizing road maintenance and urban planning. Furthermore, these systems have proven effective in environmental monitoring, aiding in emission control and supporting the development of electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure. However, the review identifies critical gaps, including underexplored applications in autonomous vehicles, limited comparative studies with alternative monitoring systems, and insufficient regulatory frameworks addressing data privacy, interoperability, and cross-border collaboration. This study consolidates existing knowledge and provides valuable insights into the transformative potential of satellite-based systems, offering a foundational resource for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners striving to develop more efficient and sustainable transportation solutions.

Use of Distributed Energy Resources Integrated with the Electric Grid in the Amazon: A Case Study of the Universidade Federal do Pará Poraquê Electric Boat Using a Digital Twin

Electric mobility is a global trend and necessity, with electric and solar boats offering a promising alternative for transportation electrification and carbon emission reduction, especially in the Amazon region. This study analyzes the system of a solar boat from an electric mobility project—to be implemented at Universidade Federal do Pará (UFPA)—using MATLAB software for modeling. The Simulink tool was utilized to model the system, focusing on operational parameters such as module voltage, converter voltage, and speed. The results indicate that the solar boat’s operational cost is significantly lower compared to a similar internal combustion model, considering diesel’s high consumption and cost. The environmental impact is also reduced, with nearly 72 tons of CO2 emissions avoided annually, thanks to Brazil’s renewable energy matrix. Simulations confirmed the project’s parameters, demonstrating the efficiency of digital-twin technology in monitoring and predicting system performance. The study underscores the importance of digital twins and renewable energy in promoting sustainable transportation solutions, advocating for the replication of such projects globally. Future research should focus on further advancing digital-twin applications in electric mobility to enhance predictive maintenance and operational efficiency.

Mountain Logistics: A Systematic Literature Review and Future Research Directions

Background: The sustainable development of mountain areas, which have fragile ecosystems, has increasingly attracted the attention of researchers and practitioners. Logistics systems are crucial in supporting these regions and addressing mountainous terrain’s unique challenges. While many studies have examined aspects of mountain logistics, a comprehensive and systematic review of the field is still lacking. Design/Methodology/Approach: This paper aims to fill the gap by systematically reviewing the existing literature on mountain logistics using the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) methodology. Results/Conclusions: We identify four main research foci: design of logistics infrastructure or vector, optimization of logistics systems, safety in logistics systems, and impact of logistics systems on mountain communities. In addition to categorizing these themes, we conduct a detailed descriptive analysis of published studies in this domain. Our findings highlight significant research gaps, particularly in integrating digital technologies, sustainable mass transportation solutions, and logistics systems’ socioeconomic and environmental impacts. We propose targeted directions for future research to advance sustainable logistics practices in mountain regions.

Predicting Ride-Hailing Demand with Consideration of Social Equity: A Case Study of Chengdu

In the realm of shared autonomous vehicle ride-sharing, precise demand prediction is vital for optimizing resource allocation, improving travel efficiency, and promoting sustainable transport solutions. However, existing studies tend to overlook social attributes and demographic characteristics across various regions, resulting in disparities in prediction fairness between areas with plentiful and limited transportation resources. In order to achieve more accurate and fair prediction, an innovative Social Graph Convolution Long Short-Term Memory framework is proposed, incorporating demographic, spatial, and transportation accessibility information into multiple functional graphs, including functional similarity, population structure, and historical demand graphs. Furthermore, Mean Percentage Error indicators are employed in the loss function to balance prediction accuracy and fairness. The findings indicate that there is an enhancement in both prediction accuracy and fairness by at least 8.9% and 12.9%, respectively, compared to base models. Additionally, the predictions for rush hours in both privileged and underprivileged regions exhibit greater precision and rationality, supporting sustainable transport practices. The proposed framework effectively captures the demands of diverse social groups, thereby contributing to the advancement of social equity and long-term sustainability in urban mobility.

Renewable energy in sustainable cities: Challenges and opportunities by the case study of Nusantara Capital City (IKN)

Indonesia's future IKN capital might be sustainable, low-carbon, and climate-resilient. The Low Emissions Analysis Platform (LEAP) simulates energy efficiency in various demand sectors, renewable energy, and sustainable transportation solutions. Sustainable cars, such as renewable-energy-powered electric and green hydrogen-powered vehicles, can reduce energy consumption by 43% in 2045 and 33% in 2060, respectively, compared to BAU. GHG emissions per capita will drop 70% in 2045 and 63% in 2060. In the net-zero emission (NZE) scenario, IKN can reach 100% green energy by 2045 with a 4.4 GW solar power plant, a 0.92 GWh BESS, and a full load hour capability of 4 hours. We will use 1.1 GW of hydropower and 143 MW of wind power by 2045. In 2060, hydropower will be 2.8 GW, wind power will be 184 MW, and solar power will be 8 GW with 1.6 GWh of BESS. Lack of legislation, technical expertise, high prices, inadequate grid infrastructure, and insufficient renewable electricity restrict BESS use in Indonesia. Solar energy installation requirements, subsidies, and off-grid project incentives can all help ease BESS use. Forecasts predict 0.53 GW of rooftop solar PV capacity by 2045 and 3.35 GW by 2060. Net metering and solar tariffs boost rooftop solar system profitability. One ton of green hydrogen production requires 55.7 MWh from a solar power plant. Solar power plant capacity will rise to 0.49 GW by 2045, producing 19,359 tons of green hydrogen, and almost quintuple to 89,594 tons by 2060. Hydrogen generation, storage, transit, and distribution require specific infrastructure due to high capital costs and a lack of networks, yet interest in them is growing.

Performance Evaluation of Hydrogen-Powered Internal Combustion Engine City Bus for the Urban Mobility of Bologna, Italy

Abstract Due to its geographical features, northern Italy is particularly prone to poor urban air quality and air pollution. Vehicular emissions are one of the main sources of pollutants and greenhouse gases emissions. Reducing the number of vehicles and promoting collective urban sustainable mobility represent the best solution to cut-down emissions from the transport sector in urban contexts. Among the possible solutions, hydrogen-fuelled internal combustion engines are particularly attractive, due to the interesting compromise between low manufacturing cost and low emissions (CO2 is absent, while other pollutants can be easily kept under control). Despite the lack of a distribution network, the operational path of hydrogen urban buses is known a priori, allowing them to operate without relying extensively on distribution infrastructure. This study presents a performance evaluation of a hydrogen-powered internal combustion engine bus within the metropolitan area of Bologna, Italy, assessed on two distinct routes representing diverse typical operating conditions. Through a dedicated virtual vehicle model, the performance of the bus is assessed in terms of fuel efficiency and NOx emissions. Additionally, a sensitivity analysis is conducted to evaluate the impact of variations in both the bus weight and passenger load on its performance metrics. The findings of the present study provide valuable insights into the sustainability of hydrogen buses for urban contexts, paving the way for their adoption as a sustainable transport solution.