Calls to revolutionize transport to become more sustainable have been resounding across the automotive industry. And part of bringing this transformation to reality involves developing innovations.

The utilization of several technologies in the auto sector such as electrification, connected and automated vehicles, and mobility-as-a-service (MaaS) to make the transport experience sustainable is being seen to expand or emerge in the year ahead. But while their potential may seem promising in leading towards sustainable mobility, there are still obstructions ahead to address.

Electric expansion and enhancing battery technology

Electric vehicles (EVs) are usually the first to come to mind when thinking of sustainable development in the automotive industry, given they generate lesser greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions compared to gas-powered vehicles.

Transport is infamous for its part in air pollution, being largely reliant on fossil fuel combustion. The sector is responsible for around one quarter of all energy-related GHG emissions, according to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). As such, the electrification of vehicles is seen valuable to reduce transport’s environmental impact and the aim for the sector’s sustainability.

EV sales have expanded in recent years. Based on a report by The Wall Street Journal, citing preliminary research from LMC Automotive and EV-Volumes.com, around 7.8 million units of fully electric vehicles are sold globally in 2022, a 68% growth from the year prior. This means EV sales have achieved a milestone with around 10% market share in the automotive sector last year.

Given the increase in awareness about EVs, concerns arise about battery manufacturing capacity and material issues, according to the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Standards Association (IEEE SA). The industry, therefore, is focusing on enhancing battery technology to keep pace with the rising EV demand.

“Battery companies and vehicle manufacturers are investing heavily to build batteries that are less expensive, take up less space, and weigh less,” the IEEE SA wrote in an article published on its website. “Other complicating factors inspiring innovation include materials availability, supply chain complications, and costs.”

This year, however, S&P Global Mobility expected EVs’ growth momentum to be at risk due to China’s subsidies for EVs ending, the energy crisis and the inflation that would follow in Europe, and the recession expected in the United States.

Moving forward, EV development is seen to expand globally, with automakers and battery manufacturers expected to invest over $626 billion by 2023 for the development of new electric cars, passenger and freight trucks, and buses, according to a report cited by the Environmental Defense Fund.

Connected and autonomous vehicles

Aside from the accelerated popularity of electrification, the words “connected” and “autonomous” are also rising further in the automotive sector.

Connected vehicles are a type of car equipped to connect to the Internet and exchange information with other systems.

What could make connected vehicles a driver of sustainable mobility is their ability to provide safety, as knowing critical information like the speed of other cars can help a driver in response, which then could reduce accidents on the road. In addition, connected cars could also provide information such as the traffic situation, so drivers could be redirected to roads that are less jammed by other vehicles, hence improving the driving experience and reducing the waste of fuel. But given the connection and exchange of data, security is critical to prevent unsafe incidents in using connected vehicles.

Autonomous vehicles, meanwhile, are usually referred to as self-driving cars. But there are six levels of automation defined by the Society of Automotive Engineers, from no automation (level 0), driver assistance (level 1), partial automation (level 2), conditional automation (level 3), high automation (level 4), and full automation (level 5). Currently, there are cars in level two, which are capable to steer, accelerate and brake, yet the driver is still required to monitor.

When equipped with safety at the top of the mind and the ability to use fuel efficiently, autonomous vehicles could also pave the way for sustainable mobility. However, the path ahead for autonomous vehicles has regulatory challenges.

Mobility apps and the MaaS potential

Digitalization can drive sustainable mobility as well, given the rise of applications and specifically MaaS to provide a better travel experience.

Nowadays, drivers and commuters can use apps that show routes that are shortest or less congested, while some guide commuters to their destinations by showing the routes and public transport to take. And through MaaS, users can plan their journey ahead as such platforms comprise different modes of transportation and allow them to book and pay for their fare. MaaS can be an easy and convenient way when in need of transportation without having to own a car.

To enable a mobility future that leverages the advantage of MaaS, there are several challenges to address. “MaaS requires a strategic approach to overcome significant challenges,” IEEE SA said. “Public transportation must be integrated with mobility services such as car sharing, bike sharing, scooter sharing, and ride hailing. Other challenges with MaaS include data privacy, a clear business model, user adoption, and funding.” — Chelsey Keith P. Ignacio

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