Marcel Seger, Christian Brand, Christoph Clement, James Dixon, Charlie Wilson
{"title":"Firm level optimisation strategies for sustainable and cost effective electric vehicle workplace charging.","authors":"Marcel Seger, Christian Brand, Christoph Clement, James Dixon, Charlie Wilson","doi":"10.1038/s44333-025-00032-w","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s44333-025-00032-w","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Expanding electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure is essential for transitioning to an electrified mobility system. With rising EV adoption rates, firms face increasing regulatory pressure to build up workplace charging facilities for their employees. However, the impact of EV charging loads on businesses' specific electricity consumption profiles remains largely unknown. Our study addresses this challenge by presenting a mathematical optimisation model, available via an open-source web application, that empowers business executives to manage energy consumption effectively, enabling them to assess peak loads, charging costs and carbon emissions specific to their power profiles and employee needs. Using real-world data from a global car manufacturer in South East England, UK, we demonstrate that smart charging strategies can reduce peak loads by 28% and decrease charging costs and emissions by 9% compared to convenience charging. Our methodology is widely applicable across industries and geographies, offering data-driven insights for planning EV workplace charging infrastructure.</p>","PeriodicalId":501714,"journal":{"name":"npj Sustainable Mobility and Transport","volume":"2 1","pages":"11"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11913721/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143665445","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Energy and economic benefits from economies of scale in intercity freight transportation.","authors":"Philip Krammer, Andreas W Schäfer","doi":"10.1038/s44333-025-00028-6","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s44333-025-00028-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Since the beginning of motorization, intercity freight transportation modes have carried an ever-increasing load and experienced a nearly continuous decline in average unit costs and energy intensity. Using a unique dataset, we demonstrate the tight, inverse relationships between the average load carried with average transport unit costs and energy intensity, which are invariant across mode, space, and time, for the countries and time periods considered. Our subsequent statistical analysis concludes that-over the last 30-35 years-economies of scale have contributed to 65-85% of the decline in energy intensity, depending on the transport mode, with only the remaining share being due to technological progress. Significant further reductions in average unit costs and energy intensity due to increasing economies of scale seem possible for particularly surface transport modes. Instead of technological advances, their realization could require legal and infrastructure adjustments.</p>","PeriodicalId":501714,"journal":{"name":"npj Sustainable Mobility and Transport","volume":"2 1","pages":"13"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11953041/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143757166","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The long journey towards a shift to rail in the European long-distance passenger transport market.","authors":"Oded Cats","doi":"10.1038/s44333-025-00025-9","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s44333-025-00025-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The European long-distance passenger transport market is rapidly changing. There is a striking discrepancy between the relevance of long-distance travel for emission reduction goals and the lack of knowledge to support its design, planning and policy making. A conceptual representation of this market is provided, and four key scientific challenges are identified and discussed along with a brief review of the state-of-the-art, related knowledge gaps and a corresponding research agenda.</p>","PeriodicalId":501714,"journal":{"name":"npj Sustainable Mobility and Transport","volume":"2 1","pages":"7"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11790481/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143257772","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Joint factor and latent class ordered probit analysis of intent to use unstaffed automated buses.","authors":"Lucy Downey, Anshamol Rahim, Achille Fonzone, Grigorios Fountas","doi":"10.1038/s44333-025-00047-3","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s44333-025-00047-3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>By adopting a more environmentally friendly driving style and promoting sustainable transportation options, automated buses (ABs) could play a role in achieving long-term sustainability goals. This study explores the factors influencing the willingness to use ABs, based on survey data from 451 bus users in Scotland. Using latent class ordered probit analysis, distinct user groups were identified based on their intentions to use unstaffed ABs, along with the key factors influencing their class membership. Concerns about driving capabilities and the implementation of technology emerged as the strongest negative predictors for urban residents without health issues. For rural residents and those with health issues, use intentions were primarily influenced by expectations of the benefits associated with ABs. These insights are valuable for bus manufacturers, service operators, and transport authorities, informing the development of policies and strategies for the future deployment of SAE level 5 ABs.</p>","PeriodicalId":501714,"journal":{"name":"npj Sustainable Mobility and Transport","volume":"2 1","pages":"31"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12259466/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144651786","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Using learning curves to guide the energy transition with the example of heavy electric trucks.","authors":"Auke Hoekstra, Floor Alkemade","doi":"10.1038/s44333-025-00029-5","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s44333-025-00029-5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Learning curves accurately predict the continuing progress of clean energy and mobility technologies but are not systematically used as a basis for evidence-based policy. We present a systems-level learning model for electric trucks to illustrate how this can be done. Focussing on Europe, we use an approach based on learning curves for eTruck drivetrain and battery pack design; battery developments in cost, durability and composition; energy efficiency and CO<sub>2</sub> emissions; weights of all components; electricity and diesel costs; charging costs in different scenarios; and the use of an eTruck fleet with different ranges. Our model shows several tipping points that can lead to fast eTruck adoption. Policies could leverage these tipping points by rewarding longer range, faster charging, vehicle-to-grid capabilities, and an open and interoperable network of eTruck fast-chargers to drive a rapid and cost-effective transition to eTrucks.</p>","PeriodicalId":501714,"journal":{"name":"npj Sustainable Mobility and Transport","volume":"2 1","pages":"14"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11964912/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143797549","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Guillaume Chevance, Baptiste Andrieu, Nicolas Koch, Cathryn Tonne, Mark Nieuwenhuijsen, Paquito Bernard
{"title":"How gasoline prices influence the effectiveness of interventions targeting sustainable transport modes?","authors":"Guillaume Chevance, Baptiste Andrieu, Nicolas Koch, Cathryn Tonne, Mark Nieuwenhuijsen, Paquito Bernard","doi":"10.1038/s44333-024-00017-1","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s44333-024-00017-1","url":null,"abstract":"The current study aims to quantify the moderating role of gasoline price on the effectiveness of interventions targeting healthier and more sustainable transport modes. This multi-level meta-analysis provides an analysis of 52 interventions targeting a change in driving, public and active transport across four continents in interventions mixing “carrot/stick” strategies. Gasoline price significantly moderates the effectiveness of interventions targeting healthier transport modes in Europe (standardized mean difference 4·43, 95% CI 1·11 to 7·74) but not in the other continents. Interventions conducted in Europe were more effective with higher gasoline price. Gasoline price also significantly interacted with access to public transport in the four continents, with the moderating role of gasoline price on interventions’ effectiveness being stronger in places with higher access to public transport. Gasoline price is a significant moderator of interventions’ effectiveness but mostly in context where infrastructures are available.","PeriodicalId":501714,"journal":{"name":"npj Sustainable Mobility and Transport","volume":" ","pages":"1-8"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.nature.com/articles/s44333-024-00017-1.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142906133","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Simone Daniotti, Vito D. P. Servedio, Johannes Kager, Aad Robben-Baldauf, Stefan Thurner
{"title":"Systemic risk approach to mitigate delay cascading in railway networks","authors":"Simone Daniotti, Vito D. P. Servedio, Johannes Kager, Aad Robben-Baldauf, Stefan Thurner","doi":"10.1038/s44333-024-00012-6","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s44333-024-00012-6","url":null,"abstract":"Delay cascades may significantly disrupt the regular operation of public transportation systems. What are the origins and processes involved in delay-spreading in public railway systems? How can delay propagation in national railway systems be efficiently managed with a minimum of effort? With a network-based systemic risk approach, we quantify the impact of trains on the system. This allows us to find which train assignments play the leading roles in transmitting delays to following trains. This identification of weak spots in the system now enables us to effectively reduce delay cascades by adding very few specific short-distance train services. Reducing delays encourages people to use public transportation, thereby lowering emissions and promoting sustainability. Agent-based simulations validate our results.","PeriodicalId":501714,"journal":{"name":"npj Sustainable Mobility and Transport","volume":" ","pages":"1-9"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.nature.com/articles/s44333-024-00012-6.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142798604","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Estimating emissions reductions with carpooling and vehicle dispatching in ridesourcing mobility","authors":"Ximing Chang, Jianjun Wu, Zifan Kang, Jianju Pan, Huijun Sun, Der-Horng Lee","doi":"10.1038/s44333-024-00015-3","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s44333-024-00015-3","url":null,"abstract":"Ride-hailing services provide on-demand transportation solutions by connecting passengers with nearby drivers through mobile applications. However, carpooling often fails to attract passengers as expected due to inefficient order-matching strategies. This study estimates emissions reductions with order matching and vehicle dispatching in ridesourcing mobility. An explainable machine learning with a hierarchical framework is constructed for arrival time prediction. Considering pick-up and drop-off locations within the expected departure time, on-demand order matching and vehicle dispatching optimization models are built to determine the minimum fleet size and efficient route planning. Real-world experiments are conducted with large-scale ridesharing orders in Beijing, China. In comparison to the current operations, a reduction of 25.25% in fleet size and a simultaneous decrease of 21.65% in pollutant emissions are achieved. Results demonstrate that carpooling and vehicle dispatching processes lead to a slight increase in passenger waiting time while enhancing the operational efficiency of ride-hailing services and reducing pollutant emissions.","PeriodicalId":501714,"journal":{"name":"npj Sustainable Mobility and Transport","volume":" ","pages":"1-15"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.nature.com/articles/s44333-024-00015-3.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142778622","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Kevin Riehl, Anastasios Kouvelas, Michail A. Makridis
{"title":"Karma economies for sustainable urban mobility – a fair approach to public good value pricing","authors":"Kevin Riehl, Anastasios Kouvelas, Michail A. Makridis","doi":"10.1038/s44333-024-00014-4","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s44333-024-00014-4","url":null,"abstract":"City road infrastructure can be considered a public good, and congestion is the intersection of demand for mobility with the limited available transportation supply. Congestion pricing is effective in reducing demand to sustainable levels below network capacity limits, but also controversial, as it introduces equity issues and systematically discriminates against lower-income groups. Karma is a non-monetary, fair, and efficient resource allocation mechanism that employs an artificial currency different from money, incentivises cooperation amongst selfish individuals, and achieves a balance between giving and taking. Where money does not do its job, Karma achieves socially more desirable allocations by being aligned with consumers’ needs rather than their financial power. This work highlights the value proposition of Karma, provides guidance on Karma mechanism design, and equips the reader with a useful software framework to model Karma economies and predict consumers’ behaviour. A case study of road pricing demonstrates Karma’s potential.","PeriodicalId":501714,"journal":{"name":"npj Sustainable Mobility and Transport","volume":" ","pages":"1-17"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.nature.com/articles/s44333-024-00014-4.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142762871","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Changlong Ling, Junqing Tang, Pengjun Zhao, Lei Xu, Qiuchen Lu, Linchuan Yang, Fengjue Huang, Wei Lyu, Jiawen Yang
{"title":"Unraveling the relation between carbon emission and carbon footprint: A literature review and framework for sustainable transportation","authors":"Changlong Ling, Junqing Tang, Pengjun Zhao, Lei Xu, Qiuchen Lu, Linchuan Yang, Fengjue Huang, Wei Lyu, Jiawen Yang","doi":"10.1038/s44333-024-00013-5","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s44333-024-00013-5","url":null,"abstract":"Transportation decarbonization has drawn enormous attention globally, and two concepts play vital roles: transportation carbon emission (TCE) and transportation carbon footprint (TCF). However, their overlapping definitions and mixed uses in relevant literature have caused ambiguities and misunderstandings, resulting in a pressing need to clarify their subtle relationships in a more introspective manner. Therefore, we performed an in-depth literature review to investigate their essential commonalities and differences, with a focus on two aspects: understanding the scientific progress in terms of research trends, foci, and clusters to capture their connotations and use cases; and diagnosing how they are inherently estimated and how misuses can be alleviated. Accordingly, we developed an integrated life cycle analytical framework to relate TCE and TCF in an interdisciplinary landscape. Implications regarding systematic and explicit quantification standards were identified and discussed. Finally, we proposed three research gaps and four possible directions for future sustainable transportation studies.","PeriodicalId":501714,"journal":{"name":"npj Sustainable Mobility and Transport","volume":" ","pages":"1-12"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-11-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.nature.com/articles/s44333-024-00013-5.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142737644","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}