These high-tech, low-emission innovations could be the future of transport
As the climate crisis intensifies, low or zero-emission transport is becoming vital for a sustainable future. The Rimac Automobili C_Two is an all-electric hypercar its makers say can go from 0 to 60 mph in under two seconds -- proving high performance can be low emissions too. Scroll through to see the forms of transport set to transform the future.
courtesy Rimac Automobili
Oceanbird is a wind-powered transatlantic car carrier that cuts carbon emissions by 90%, compared to a standard car carrier.
Wallenius Marine
It's not just maritime ships that are going green. Cities around the world are adopting electric ferries. Norwegian startup Zeabuz hopes its self-driving electric ferry will help revive urban waterways.
Courtesy Zeabuz
Hydrogen aviation could provide a sustainable solution for short and medium-haul flights. In September, Airbus unveiled plans for three hydrogen-powered, zero-emission aircraft which can carry 100 to 200 passengers. It hopes to launch the first ZEROe aircraft in 2035.
Courtesy Airbus
Low carbon travel isn't just about switching to sustainable fuel sources -- it's also about redesigning the transport itself. A "Flying-V" plane designed by Delft's University of Technology in the Netherlands and Dutch airline KLM can cut fuel consumption by 20%. Ultimately, researchers hope to switch out the kerosene with a sustainable fuel source, like liquid hydrogen.
Edwin Wallet for TU Delft
In December 2019, Canadian airline Harbour Air flew the world's first all-electric, zero-emission commercial aircraft. The six-seater seaplane was retrofitted with magniX's magni500 all-electric motor. Harbour Air -- which carries half a million passengers annually -- hopes to become the world's first all-electric airline.
Don MacKinnon/AFP/Getty Images
Hyperloop is like a bullet train, without tracks and rails. Floating pods are propelled through a low-pressure steel tube using magnetic levitation. Virgin is currently running Hyperloop tests in Nevada.
Courtesy Virgin Hyperloop One
Reaching speeds of up to 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) per hour, Hyperloop could be a sustainable replacement to short-haul flights. Dutch company Hardt started work on the first Hyperloop test facility in Europe last year, anticipated to open in 2022.
Courtesy Hardt Hyperloop
High-speed "Maglev" trains also use a magnetic levitation system. In 2019, China unveiled a sleek new Maglev prototype it claims will be able to travel at speeds of 600 kilometers (372 miles) per hour, which will start production in 2021. It plans to add 1,000 kilometers of track to its three existing Maglev systems, starting in Hubei province.
Courtesy CRRC
The Coradia iLint by French rail transport company Alstom is the world's first hydrogen-powered passenger train. It began testing in Germany in 2018, and in September this year entered regular service in Austria.
Alstom
While sleeper trains or buses might be the way most of us get some shut-eye on overnight travel, a self-driving hotel suite from Toronto-based designer Steve Lee of Aprilli Design Studio might offer a plush alternative in the future.
Aprilli Design Studio
Dubai is developing a sci-fi style transport network of electric sky pods it hopes will provide a clean, speedy transport alternative for commuters. The pods, described by its developers as "a cross between a monorail and a ski lift," are expected for launch in 2030.
Beemcar
In the case of electric bikes, the future is now: one retailer reported the sale of e-bikes and e-scooters had increased 230% this year. E-bikes give the user a boost to their pedaling, allowing them to go further with less effort. E-bikes are now even available on ride-share apps, like Uber.
