Molly Ayala
Transportation is a significant user of energy, accounting for about 29% of global energy demand and 61.5% of all oil consumed annually. In the US, about 30% of total energy consumption in 2023 was dedicated to transporting people and goods. Petroleum products, including gasoline and diesel fuel, are the dominant sources of energy for transportation, with electricity use by mass transit systems accounting for less than 1% of total energy consumption in the sector. However, there is a growing trend towards electrification, with an increasing popularity of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and efforts to decarbonize transport. While replacing all personal vehicles with BEVs would only reduce US transportation emissions by half, other measures such as improving vehicle efficiency, promoting behavioural changes, and transitioning to cleaner fuels are also being explored to reduce the carbon intensity of the transportation sector.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Electricity use in transportation in 2023 | Less than 1% of total energy consumption by the transportation sector |
| Petroleum products accounted for in 2023 | 89% of the total US transportation sector energy use |
| Biofuels accounted for in 2022 | 6% of total US transportation sector energy consumption |
| Natural gas accounted for in 2023 | 5% of the total US transportation sector energy use |
| Gasoline accounted for in 2022 | 52% of total energy consumption by the US transportation sector |
| Number of registered vehicles in 2019 | 1,490 million |
| US share of registered vehicles in 2019 | 19% |
| China share of registered vehicles in 2019 | 17% |
| Light-duty vehicle registration by state in 2023 | Washington D.C. 10%, California 9% |
| Transportation's share of world energy demand | 29% |
| Transportation's share of world oil consumption | 61.5% |
| Energy consumption by maritime transportation | 7% of all energy consumed by transport activities |
| Energy consumption by aviation industry | 8% of the energy consumed by transportation |
| Transportation's share of CO2 emissions from end-use sectors | More than a third |
| US electric vehicle sales in 2022 | Nearly 60% |
| China electric vehicle sales in 2022 | 40% for light commercial vehicles, 80% for 2-wheelers and buses, more than 85% for trucks |
| Norway electric vehicle sales in 2022 | Nearly 90% |
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What You'll Learn
Electric vehicles and public transport
Electric vehicles (EVs) have become increasingly popular over the past decade, offering a greener alternative to traditional petrol or diesel vehicles. Public transport systems can benefit from transitioning to EVs in several ways. Firstly, they can significantly reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality, contributing to healthier urban environments. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), transportation accounted for 27% of the United States' greenhouse gas emissions in 2020. A single electric bus can prevent approximately 135 tons of carbon emissions per year, according to Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF).
Secondly, EVs can be designed with accessibility in mind, making them more attractive to passengers. They can be fitted with ramps or lifts, and wider doors to accommodate passengers with disabilities, mobility issues, or those with prams and luggage. This enhances the overall accessibility of public transport.
Thirdly, EVs can help reduce dependence on fossil fuels. As electricity can be generated from renewable sources like solar or wind power, public transport operators can contribute to a more sustainable future and reduce the impact of climate change. This is particularly important as petroleum products accounted for about 89% of the total US transportation sector energy use in 2023.
Finally, EVs have lower maintenance costs than internal combustion engine vehicles, positively impacting long-term public transport budgets. Despite these benefits, there are challenges to adopting EVs in public transportation. The initial investment cost is high, with electric buses costing more than diesel buses on average. Additionally, there is a lack of adequate charging infrastructure in many cities, making continuous long-distance operation difficult.
To overcome these challenges, cities require strong leadership, creativity, and forethought. Governments and organizations are providing incentives and funds to accelerate the transition, recognising the importance of sustainable transportation solutions. With proper planning and investment, cities can embrace the move towards electric public transportation, creating cleaner and greener urban spaces.
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Energy sources and systems
Transportation has played a crucial role in the mobility of energy sources, particularly petroleum and coal. The invention and widespread use of the internal combustion engine in the 20th century revolutionized transportation, expanding the mobility of passengers and freight, and leading to the development of a global trade network. Today, transportation accounts for a significant share of the world's energy demand and oil consumption.
Electricity is an important energy source for transportation, powering electric vehicles and public mass transit systems. However, in 2023, petroleum products still accounted for about 89% of the US transportation sector's energy use, with biofuels contributing about 6% and natural gas about 5%. The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is gaining momentum, with China leading in EV sales in 2022, and the European Union pushing for the transition through policies like the Green Deal Industrial Plan.
To achieve carbon neutrality, a broad set of policies and technical innovations are needed to reduce the carbon intensity of transport. This includes encouraging the use of less carbon-intensive travel options, such as walking, cycling, and public transport, as well as the adoption of electric vehicles and alternative fuels. The United States has made significant progress with policies like the Inflation Reduction Act, which aims to accelerate EV adoption and the production of biofuels and synthetic fuels.
Technological improvements and data analytics can also play a role in improving energy performance and reducing fuel consumption in transportation. This includes the use of smart transport systems, route optimization, and the electrification of support systems in airports.
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Environmental impact and emissions
The environmental impact and emissions of transportation are significant, with transport accounting for about 29% of the world's energy demand and approximately 61.5% of all oil used annually. In the US, about 30% of total energy consumption in 2023 was dedicated to transporting people and goods, with petroleum products accounting for 89% of the transportation sector's energy use. This heavy reliance on petroleum fuels contributes to air pollution and carbon emissions, with the transport sector responsible for over a third of CO2 emissions from end-use sectors.
Maritime transportation, despite being the most energy-efficient mode of transport due to its economies of scale, still contributes to fuel consumption and emissions. Aviation, on the other hand, accounts for 8% of the energy consumed by transportation, with jet fuel being a significant contributor to the sector's energy use.
To reduce the environmental impact and emissions of transportation, several strategies are being explored. These include the electrification of transport systems, with a growing popularity of battery electric vehicles (BEV) and the development of carbon-neutral energy sources. However, it is estimated that replacing all personal vehicles with BEVs would only reduce US transportation emissions of CO2 by half, highlighting the need for additional measures.
Governments are increasingly recognizing the importance of electrifying cars, but challenges remain in reducing emissions from road freight, shipping, and aviation. Policy interventions, such as the US Inflation Reduction Act and the EU's Green Deal Industrial Plan, are being implemented to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles and the production of biofuels, synthetic fuels, and hydrogen. Additionally, there is a focus on improving vehicle efficiency, with almost 50 countries implementing fuel economy and/or vehicle efficiency standards for light-duty vehicles.
Other strategies to reduce emissions include promoting behavioral changes, such as walking, cycling, and using public transport, as well as investing in high-speed rail networks, which are more energy-efficient than conventional rail systems. The transition to cleaner fuels, such as sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and green methanol, is also being explored.
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Energy efficiency and performance
Today, transportation accounts for a significant share of global energy demand and oil consumption. In 2023, about 30% of total US energy consumption was for transporting people and goods. Petroleum products, including motor gasoline, aviation gasoline, and distillate fuels, dominated the transportation fuel mix in the US, accounting for about 89% of the sector's energy use. However, electricity use by mass transit systems was less than 1%.
To improve energy performance and efficiency, several strategies are being explored:
- Electrification of transportation: This involves transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs) and other modes of transport, such as electric buses and trains. While the popularity of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) is growing, replacing all personal vehicles with BEVs would only reduce US transportation emissions by about half. Aircraft and many ground vehicles are challenging to electrify.
- Fuel economy standards: These standards aim to improve the fuel efficiency of vehicles. While the national average fuel economy for light-duty vehicles in the US has improved due to these standards, total motor gasoline consumption has increased due to the rising number of vehicles and miles traveled per vehicle.
- Alternative fuels and biofuels: Biofuels, such as ethanol and biodiesel, are blended with petroleum diesel to reduce fossil fuel consumption. In 2022, biofuels consumption accounted for about 6% of the US transportation sector's energy use.
- Smart transport: Utilizing data analytics, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things (IoT) devices to optimize routing and reduce fuel consumption. This includes improving vehicle and infrastructure efficiency, such as through the use of roundabouts and better traffic light timing.
- Decarbonization: Encouraging the use of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) and other decarbonized fuels, such as green methanol, to reduce emissions from aviation and other carbon-intensive modes of transport.
- High-speed rail networks: Investing in high-speed rail networks, which are more energy-efficient than conventional rail systems, can help reduce the carbon intensity of transportation.
- Policy interventions: Governments are playing an increasingly important role in promoting the electrification of transport. For example, the US's Inflation Reduction Act aims to accelerate EV adoption and the production of biofuels and synthetic fuels.
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Fossil fuels and biofuels
The transportation sector is a significant user of electricity, and its electrification is a complex challenge. While the growing popularity of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) is encouraging, replacing all personal vehicles with BEVs would only reduce US transportation emissions by about half. Aircraft and many ground vehicles are difficult or impossible to electrify.
In 2023, the transportation sector in the US relied heavily on petroleum products, which accounted for about 89% of its energy consumption. Biofuels contributed about 6%, mainly blended with petroleum fuels like gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel. Natural gas, used mostly in pipeline compressors, accounted for approximately 5%. Electricity used by mass transit systems was less than 1% of the transportation sector's total energy consumption.
Biofuels, such as ethanol and biodiesel, are promoted as low-carbon alternatives to fossil fuels, with the potential to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from transport. However, their wider deployment may have unintended environmental consequences, and their life cycle assessment (LCA) studies show conflicting results. First-generation biofuels generally have lower GHG emissions than fossil fuels, but the reductions often don't meet the required standards. Second-generation biofuels have greater emission reduction potential, but their development takes time and relies on the continued support of first-generation fuels. Third-generation biofuel options, like algae-based fuels, currently have higher GHG emissions than fossil fuels.
To ensure the sustainable development of biofuels, regulatory policies like the RED and RFS have set criteria for biofuels to achieve specific reductions in life cycle GHG emissions. The transition to carbon neutrality in the US by 2050 will likely require a combination of biofuels, electricity, and non-fossil hydrocarbon fuels to replace fossil fuels in the transportation sector.
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Frequently asked questions
About 30% of total US energy consumption in 2023 was dedicated to transporting people and goods. Transportation accounts for approximately 29% of the world's energy demand and 61.5% of all the oil used annually.
Petroleum products, including gasoline and diesel fuel, are the most common sources of energy for transportation. In 2023, petroleum accounted for about 89% of the US transportation sector's energy use. Other sources include biofuels (6%), natural gas (5%), electricity, and coal.
Transport accounts for more than a third of CO2 emissions from end-use sectors. The internal combustion engines used in most motorised transport run on fossil fuels, contributing significantly to carbon emissions.
The electrification of transportation is a key step towards reducing energy consumption and environmental impact. Electric vehicles (EVs) and improved energy performance through technological advancements can help reduce emissions. Other measures include the use of data analytics and artificial intelligence to optimise routing and reduce fuel consumption, as well as promoting behavioural changes such as walking, biking, and using public transport.
Norway leads the world in electric car sales, reaching nearly 90% in 2022. China also leads in EV sales, particularly in light commercial vehicles, 2-wheelers, buses, and trucks. The United States made significant policy progress in 2022 with the Inflation Reduction Act, aiming to accelerate EV adoption and the production of biofuels and synthetic fuels.
