Europe is embarking on an exciting journey to transform its transport systems. But this rocky road faces many challenges. Did you know that transport and sustainability go hand in hand and are making big steps towards achieving greener mobility?

In this article, we explore the connection between digitalization and transportation, highlighting its fundamental role in shaping the future of vehicles and advancing environmental goals. Let’s start!

Why digitalization matters

Can you imagine a future where cars drive themselves, traffic jams are a thing of the past, and our cities are quieter and cleaner? This is the promise of digitalization. Through making the most out of the power of digital technology, we can make transport and sustainability work together for the benefit of the society. These are some of the aspects in which digitalization can be helpful:

The power of data

Digitalization has many benefits, but one of its most remarkable ones is the massive amount of data it generates. All this data can be incredibly valuable for transport and sustainability because it can create better policies and improve transport systems. So, let’s see how it achieves this:

Key technologies driving the change

But the road to digitalization can be bumpy if governments do not fund the necessary research and infrastructure for it to happen. Being aware of this, Europe is investing in several cutting-edge technologies so that transport and sustainability can make a big impact. What are some of its most promising technologies?

Digitalization for sustainable transport

Connected and automated mobility (CAM)

The vision of connected and automated mobility is one where cars communicate to each other and to the road infrastructure. CAM systems enable vehicles to share information about road conditions, traffic, and hazards, leading to safer and more efficient travel. So, The European Commission is developing a legal framework to support the widespread adoption of automated vehicles, ensuring they can operate smoothly and safely on our roads.

5G connectivity

5G stands as a crucial element shaping the future of transportation. With its ultra-fast speeds and low latency, 5G will support the seamless operation of automated vehicles and digital trains. By 2025, the EU aims to have uninterrupted 5G coverage along major transport routes, enabling smart, connected mobility solutions.

Artificial intelligence (AI)

Transportation is also one of the areas where AI is making incredible changes. AI has the power to optimize routes, predict maintenance needs, and manage traffic flows more efficiently. One of the ways in which it can help is by making electric vehicles have a better use of their batteries, extending their range and reducing the need for frequent charging.

Semiconductors

These tiny electronic components known as semiconductors are essential for modern vehicles. They power all components of the vehicle, including infotainment systems, safety features and engine controls. To guarantee a constant supply of these critical components, the European Chips Act aims to boost Europe’s semiconductor production. Thanks to this, the continent seeks to become more self-sufficient and competitive in the global market.

Cybersecurity

The risk of cyber-attacks has been on the rise for the past decade, and transport systems are no exception. Therefore, strong cybersecurity measures are essential to protect sensitive data and ensure the safety and reliability of digital transport systems. The EU is implementing strict cybersecurity standards to safeguard our critical infrastructure.

Caution and consideration

It’s clear that digitalization brings many benefits, but it’s important to approach it thoughtfully. If we don’t, increased efficiency and lower costs can lead to higher transport demand, which might offset some of the environmental gains.

Let’s take a look at this case, if automated vehicles make it cheaper to travel, more people might choose to drive instead of using public transport, then leading to more traffic and emissions. So, to ensure digitalization truly leads to sustainable transport, we need to pay attention to the following points:

Supporting the transition

As we have seen, transitioning to a digitalized transport system includes many challenges, and this is specially demanding when it comes to smaller companies. As a result, the EU is providing support through initiatives like Digital innovation hubs, which offer technical expertise, financial advice, and training.

Additionally, there’s a strong focus on retraining the workforce to adapt to new technologies to make sure that everyone can benefit from the digital transformation.

Let’s work together

The transportation revolution is here thanks to digitalization. Our vehicles are becoming more efficient, safer and cleaner. This connection that we have pointed out between transport and sustainability is the key driving all these massive changes.

It’s essential that governments agree to work together towards a greener future, where innovation and investment in cleaner technologies is the solution. By doing this, we can create a transport system that meets our needs while it protects the planet we live in.

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