The Energy Transition in Transport: Towards Sustainable Mobility by Francisco José Hurtado Mayén is a thorough and insightful examination of the critical shift needed in the transportation sector to address the pressing challenges of climate change and environmental degradation. In an era where transportation accounts for a significant portion of global greenhouse gas emissions, this book provides a roadmap for transforming how we move people and goods, emphasizing sustainability, equity, and innovation.
The book begins by outlining the environmental and public health impacts of the current fossil-fuel-dependent transportation system. It explains how the sector contributes to air pollution, climate change, and the deterioration of urban living conditions. Recognizing the urgency of these issues, Hurtado Mayén explores the evolution of transportation technologies, with a particular focus on electric vehicles (EVs), which are positioned as a cornerstone of the sustainable mobility future. The history of EVs, from their early development to their resurgence in recent decades, is meticulously detailed, along with the technological advancements in batteries, electric motors, and energy management systems that have made EVs a viable alternative to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles.
Moving beyond individual transportation, the book delves into innovations in public transport and shared mobility. It highlights the transformative potential of electric buses, trams, and shared mobility solutions like carsharing, bikesharing, and ridesharing. The integration of autonomous vehicles is also discussed as a future trend that could revolutionize urban mobility, reducing traffic congestion and emissions while improving accessibility.
A significant portion of the book is dedicated to the role of public policy in facilitating the transition to sustainable transport. Hurtado Mayén examines various policy tools, including subsidies, economic incentives, regulatory frameworks, and infrastructure investments, which can accelerate the adoption of clean technologies. Case studies from around the world-such as Norway's leadership in EV adoption, Shenzhen's electrification of its bus fleet, and London's implementation of low emission zones-provide real-world examples of successful strategies and the challenges encountered along the way.
The book also addresses the broader societal impacts of the energy transition in transport, discussing the economic benefits such as job creation, public health improvements, and cost savings associated with reduced fuel consumption. Additionally, it explores the specific challenges and opportunities of implementing sustainable mobility in rural areas, where infrastructure and resource limitations pose unique difficulties.
The Energy Transition in Transport: Towards Sustainable Mobility is not just a technical manual; it is a call to action for governments, businesses, and citizens to collaborate in creating a transportation system that is not only efficient and reliable but also sustainable and just. The book provides a clear and compelling vision for the future, backed by detailed analysis, case studies, and practical recommendations. It is an essential resource for policymakers, industry leaders, academics, and anyone interested in understanding and contributing to the sustainable mobility revolution.
