Why an Integrated Approach Matters
Within the transportation sector, we need a collaborative, constructive dialogue between government, automakers, and other key stakeholders to meet our shared goals of enhanced energy security and reduced emissions.
The auto industry is crossing the threshold of revolutionary changes in how we power and fuel vehicles. Today dozens of technologies are on sale reducing emissions, increasing fuel efficiency, and operating on clean, alternative fuels. These innovations include advanced technologies for improved conventional engines (diesel, gasoline), alternative fuel-powered vehicles, and hybrid-electric drive systems. This range of solutions will be continuously improved and refined. In addition, fully electric vehicles are at the point of market introduction. Hydrogen-powered vehicles are being tested with dedicated fleet operators in preparation for large-scale market entry in the longer-term. However, implementing these technologies cannot be accomplished alone.
Energy providers will need to provide lower-carbon fuels and electricity along with the supporting refuelling and recharging infrastructure. And governments will need to promote all of this by implementing consistent long-term policies, incentives and regulations. At the same time, the existing transportation and energy infrastructure needs to be improved.
Finally, as consumers, all of us have the power to determine the success of green technologies through our decisions about the kind of cars we buy, the kind of fuels we use to power them, and the distances that we drive. Consumers can make better decisions with appropriate price signals, as well as better information about vehicle technology choices and their implications for fuel savings and GHG emissions reductions.
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Sustainable Mobility is the intersection of vehicles, energy, infrastructure and consumers. For mobility to become sustainable, there is no simple remedy. Many factors are involved that all need to be addressed, and many actors already developing solutions need to work together. Sustainable Mobility’s elements are integrated, or connected to each other, in such a way that success requires all parts to be addressed as a whole.
