Pathways to sustainable road and railway transport

Recently, the transportation sector, which accounts for nearly a quarter of Europe’s greenhouse gas emissions, has been undergoing a transformative sustainability shift. This evolution is not just about environmental responsibility; it’s equally about staying relevant in a competitive landscape and fostering a positive public image in a rapidly changing world. Accordingly, significant sustainability strides are being made in road and railway transport, with initiatives ranging from the electrification of vehicles and trains to the use of hydrogen as a clean source of energy.

The European Commission, along with various other international organizations, has issued stark warnings about the critical need to reduce transport-related air pollutants, reflecting a worldwide consensus shared by governments and regulatory bodies across the globe.

Electric vehicles: the rising stars and their challenges 

The surge in electric vehicle (EV) adoption is a testament to this shift. Between January and May 2022, nearly three million 100% electric cars were sold globally. This marks an impressive 80% increase from the previous year.  

In the realm of rail transport, projects centered on battery-powered trains are gaining traction. This involves transforming dual-mode electric-thermal trains into fully electric trains by replacing thermal components with rechargeable lithium batteries.  

Nonetheless, the EV revolution is not without its own set of hurdles. The production of these batteries relies on the extraction of rare materials, and how to recycle them has yet to be adequately addressed.  

As major contributors to air pollution, car manufacturers are under increasing pressure to align with climate change mitigation targets and cater to a more environmentally conscious consumer base. 

In response, the transportation industry is exploring circular production methods. For example, integrating recycled materials from scrapped vehicles, such as metals, glass, plastics, and textiles. The goal is clear: minimize the ecological footprint of the production process and align with the evolving demands of a greener economy. 

The transportation transportation industry is also exploring circular production methods. For example, integrating recycled materials from scrapped vehicles, such as metals, glass, plastics, and textiles. The goal is clear: minimize the ecological footprint of the production process and align with the evolving demands of a greener economy. 

The future of mobility hinges on carmakers’ ability to innovate while addressing global environmental concerns. This dual mandate presents a unique challenge for industry leaders: to drive innovation in a sector undergoing profound transformation while remaining cognizant of the broader environmental implications. 

The hydrogen implication: a glimpse into the future 

Hydrogen is emerging as a promising alternative in the quest for sustainable road and railway transportation. Its potential as a clean energy source is rewriting the industry’s playbook: more than 30 countries have invested in hydrogen-related projects since early 2021, totaling more than US$300 billion across 228 programs. 

The automotive sector has been quick to embrace hydrogen, with companies like Honda, Hyundai, Mercedes, Toyota, and Renault leading the charge. The advent of hydrogen-powered trucks, buses —and even Japan’s initiative to use hydrogen buses for the Tokyo 2021 Olympic Games— highlights the growing acceptance of hydrogen in this sector.  

The world’s first hydrogen train, Alstom’s Coradia iLint, launched in Germany in 2019. And it’s garnering interest from countries like the Netherlands, Austria, Italy, and France. 

Amaris Consulting: supporting the hydrogen revolution and electric vehicle advancements 

Mantu brand Amaris Consulting is actively involved in both the hydrogen ecosystem and the rapidly evolving electric vehicle sector, leveraging its expertise in energy, transport, and digital technologies. The contributions to these areas include: is actively involved in both the hydrogen ecosystem and the rapidly evolving electric vehicle sector, leveraging its expertise in energy, transport, and digital technologies. Amaris Consulting’s contributions to these areas include: 

Hydrogen Ecosystem Support: 

• Assisting clients in the research and development of technological solutions across the hydrogen chain, from green electricity production to fuel cell utilization. 
• Monitoring suppliers involved in the development of mechanical and electronic products. 
• Establishing production infrastructures specific to hydrogen, ensuring quality and safety standards. 

Electric Vehicle Sector Support: 

• In response to the increasing demand for advanced EV technologies, Amaris’ focus has been on developing battery management system technology. This technology is crucial for the efficient management of EV battery packs, ensuring optimal performance in delivering the necessary voltage and current across various load scenarios. 
• Addressing the environmental challenges associated with EV batteries, Amaris is engaged in the research and development for more sustainable battery technologies. Efforts include exploring alternatives to rare materials and improving the recyclability of batteries. 

Through these initiatives, Amaris Consulting remains at the forefront of transportation sector transformation. The Mantu brand is committed to ensuring that both hydrogen fuel cell and electric vehicle technologies advance in a way that is sustainable, efficient, and aligned with the future of digital and environmental innovation. 

Looking to the future of road and railway transportation 

It’s too early to predict hydrogen’s definitive role in the energy chain. Yet, the substantial investment in hydrogen and shifting attitudes towards environmental preservation, coupled with technological advancements, position it as a potential catalyst for transformative change in the road and railway transportation industry. 

Parallel to this, the rapid evolution of EVs is reshaping the landscape of personal and public transportation. With increasing global emphasis on reducing carbon emissions, EVs are becoming indispensable in the sustainable mobility journey.  

Amaris Consulting, actively engaged in the advancement of both hydrogen and electric vehicle technologies, stands at the vanguard of this dual revolution, driving innovation and sustainability in the quest for a greener transportation future.