Diversity in transportation: Why a mix of propulsion technologies is the way forward for the future fleet

• Published in: Results in engineering Vol. 4; p. 100060
• Main Authors: Senecal, P.K., Leach, Felix
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.12.2019; Elsevier
• ISSN: 2590-1230; 2590-1230
• DOI: 10.1016/j.rineng.2019.100060

Transportation today is almost exclusively powered by the internal combustion engine (ICE). Although engines have become significantly cleaner and more efficient over the last few decades, human health and environmental concerns have led several governments around the world to propose bans on diesel and gasoline cars. The electrification of transportation, while often touted as the only way to mitigate vehicle emissions, comes with its own set of concerns and challenges that must be considered when developing future transportation technologies. Furthermore, there is still significant untapped potential in both ICE concepts and the fuels they use. This paper argues that hybrid systems are the fastest way to reduce CO2 emissions from vehicles and that, when judged on a life-cycle basis, the vehicle technology with the least environmental and health impact is highly region dependent. Therefore, a mixture of transportation technologies is necessary in the future fleet. It is hoped that the recommendations provided in this paper will prompt policymakers to set targets for emission reduction instead of implementing bans on specific technologies, so industry can focus on developing the best solutions for each situation. •The best propulsion technology for reducing CO2 from transportation is region dependent. A mix of technologies is needed.•Life-cycle analysis must be used when comparing propulsion technologies to avoid misrepresenting their environmental impact.•Continued investment in internal combustion engines is critical since they will be present in vehicles for years to come.•Developing carbon-neutral fuels can significantly reduce emissions while making use of the current infrastructure.•Hybrids are the fastest way to reduce CO2 from vehicles.