Green machines: the future of transport

Insights

Green machines: the future of transport

At a glance

  • The transportation sector has a significant impact on global emissions, but technology innovations, policy changes and shifting behaviours can reduce this
  • Government regulatory timelines and international treaties are adding some urgency to the process, with many firms committing to net zero emissions by 2050
  • As part of this energy transition, it is essential that companies in this sector adapt their products to serve clients effectively while remaining commercially viable

The transportation sector is largely powered by petroleum-based fuels, and contributes about 25% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (Figure 1). Clearly, there is a need to move people and freight, but leading global economies are working to decarbonise the sector through technological innovation, policy change and greater efficiency.

Figure 1: Global CO2 emissions by sector, 2019-2022
global c02 emissions

Source: IEA, CO2 Emissions in 2022, March 2023. Note: transport includes international bunkers

Regional regulatory approaches

Many governments are taking action to accelerate the net zero transition for the transport sector, either by disincentivising the production and use of vehicles that emit GHGs, or incentivising that of low-emission vehicles and fuels. Policy approaches for transport can be divided into four main categories: emission trading schemes (ETSs), emission standards for vehicles, fuel standards, and low carbon technology incentives (Figure 2).

Figure 2: Approaches to decarbonisation
approaches to decarbonisation

Innovation across air, land and sea

Aviation. Airlines are willing to pay for better quality and more fuel-efficient planes, with each generation of aircraft up to 25% more efficient than the previous1. For example, widebody airlines that once needed four engines for transatlantic flights now only need two due to improvements in power and efficiency. This reduces fuel costs and maintenance spends, the latter making up a large proportion of airlines’ costs. SAF will be a major part of decarbonisation pathways in the future, but significant barriers exist to reducing current high costs and scaling production2.

Additional aircraft technologies are also being tested. Airbus aims to bring the first hydrogen-powered commercial aircraft to market by 2035. This would produce only water as a by-product, and if the hydrogen is sustainably sourced could be a key solution. However, additional work is required in terms of technology and infrastructure.

Electric planes are perhaps not feasible for commercial aviation due to the sheer weight of the battery that would be required for effective propulsion, but could be utilised for smaller aircraft.

There are also operational efficiencies that can be exploited,
including identifying more straightforward flight paths, utilising artificial intelligence to reduce airport congestion, and ensuring pilots fly at optimal altitudes and speeds for efficient fuel consumption (Figure 3).

Figure 3: Aviation’s decarbonisation pathway
aviation's decarbonisation pathway

Source: Airbus, Decarbonisation, Towards low-carbon air travel for future generations, 2023

Rail. Rail produces 14g of carbon dioxide equivalent per passenger kilometre compared with 166g for cars and 261g for air travel3. The EU has set a target to increase rail freight’s modal share from 18% to 30% by 20304. A key part of this is ensuring adequate investment in rail infrastructure, as well as continued taxation on road vehicles.

Fleets will need to be more efficient with bigger train sizes for additional loading and optimised energy consumption. The electrification of lines will be key, but the pace of adoption varies. Regions with very long distances and poor infrastructure are lagging (only 1% of the North American rail network is electrified). Alternative energy sources such as battery power, biofuels and hydrogen could also be explored. Alstom, a European train manufacturer, has been trialling fuel cell and hydrogen trains in different regions. Its first test demonstration of a hydrogen-powered train in North America in 2023 averted 22 tons of CO2 emissions over 2.5 months compared to the diesel trains that normally serve the route’s non-electrified lines5. Improvements in distribution will further aid adoption. US manufacturer Wabtec is pioneering hybrid and battery-powered locomotives, mostly for yard operations and shorter routes.

Buses, cars and trucks. The focus for vehicle manufacturers is on the shift from traditional internal combustion engines (ICE) to battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV). Different use cases require different approaches. For example, buses are used in inner cities with easy access to charging stations. Alongside the regularity of routes and the need for improved air quality in these areas, there has been a relatively quick transition to BEVs. Electric city bus sales recently overtook diesel in Europe due to stringent regulation. 

BEVs are expected to be the dominant type of passenger car, and accounted for 29% of new car registrations in China6 and 22% across Europe in 20227. A key barrier has been building adequate infrastructure to combat “range anxiety”. Pricing has also been a focus point, with US car manufacturer Tesla slashing prices to encourage take up. As the production of these cars scales up, firms should see better efficiencies in production and input costs. Chinese players have been able to carry this out effectively, and in a market where customers’ purchasing decisions are easily swayed this remains a threat to big incumbents. FCEVs will also be part of the mix in car transport, but currently have high upfront/ running costs as well as a lack of refuelling infrastructure, which makes them a hard sell for consumers.

In truck markets the most important factor is the total cost of ownership (TCO). This generally works out to be roughly a third for the initial cost, a third for fuel and a third for road and maintenance. While the TCOs for ICE versus BEVs/FCEVs has not reached parity, firms are purchasing zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) to meet their climate goals, and TCO parity is projected to be reached in most jurisdictions for daily mileages of less than 750 by 20308.

ZEV truck sales are approximately 3% of sales9, but the big players have set ambitious targets. Volvo Trucks is aiming for approximately 50% ZEV production by 2030. In Europe, BEVs are suitable for most use cases, with their standard range of around 300 kilometres covering most journeys.

The shift to electric vehicles also allows for a move to autonomous vehicles (AVs), which could potentially reduce truck TCOs further by reducing the costs associated with hiring drivers.

Longer journeys of 1,000 kilometres-plus could be suitable for hydrogen-fuelled trucks, with battery size requirements ruling out BEVs (Figure 4). Hydrogen combustion engines allow for the use of an ICE drivetrain, while FCEVs rely on battery drivetrains. FCEVs will be commercially available in the second half of this decade. The US market will likely see a larger uptake of hydrogen trucks due to the longer nature of journeys and a lack of infrastructure in remote or rural areas. However, TCOs are not expected to reach parity with BEV/ICE until the mid-2030s at the earliest10.

Figure 4: Volvo Trucks’ view on battery versus hydrogen ZEVs
volvo trucks view on battery versus hydrogen

Source: Volvo Trucks, 2023

Marine. Three ship types dominate international shipping’s GHG emissions: container shipping, bulk carriers and oil tankers. These have long lifespans of 25-30 years, so modernisation and better management of the existing fleet have been key considerations for emissions reduction. Large shipping firms have made progress by retrofitting exhaust gas cleaning systems, cold ironing (plugging into onshore power sources while berthed) and improving the shapes of bows and propellers.

Speed reduction, proper hull maintenance and efficient planning of voyages also reduce overall emissions. Implementing these measures across the global fleet could deliver 25%-30% carbon savings11, and is the primary route for the sector achieving the International Maritime Organisation’s 2030 decarbonisation targets12. However, the technological developments in alternative fuels and engines will be most impactful in the medium term, with the main focus being on ammonia, hydrogen and methanol.

Methanol and ammonia are anticipated to be particularly cost competitive as well as easy to store and transport. Last year, Maersk, a European shipping/logistics company, launched the first green methanol-powered ship on a journey from South Korea to Denmark. To meet the 2040 target of net zero emissions, the firm aims to transport a minimum of 25% of ocean cargo using green fuels by 2030. New ships will need to have dual fuel engine technology in readiness for when green fuel production reaches the appropriate scale. The adoption of zero emission fuels for ships will also require infrastructure development which is being achieved through industry collaboration.

Conclusion

Society will experience a big shift in both technology and
behaviour in the transportation sector to address the energy
transition and associated carbon emissions goals. Products
offered by firms will continue to see innovation aided by changes in regulation and the provision of appropriate infrastructure.

26 March 2024
Joe Horrocks-Taylor
Joe Horrocks-Taylor
Senior Associate, Analyst, Responsible Investment
Ebele Conroy
Ebele Conroy
Investment Analyst, Global Research
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Green machines: the future of transport

1 International Air Transport Association, Net zero 2050: new aircraft, December 2023
2 Columbia Threadneedle Investments, Jet zero – how investors can get on board for the long haul of aviation decarbonisation, Joe Horrocks-Taylor, 18 August 2022
3 IEA, CO2 Emissions Statistics “Special Report: Global Warming of 1.5C”, IPCC 2018
4 European Union Agency for Railways, Getting Rail Freight on the Right Track, 29 March 2023
5 Alstom, Alstom concludes the successful demonstration of the first commercial service hydrogen-powered train in North America, 10 October 2023
6 Canalys, Global EV market grew 55% in 2022 with 59% of EVs sold in Mainland China, 15 March 2023
7 European Environment Agency, New registrations of electric vehicles in Europe, 24 October 2023
8 ICCT, Total Cost Of Ownership Of Alternative Powertrain Technologies For Class 8 Long-Haul Trucks In The United StateS, April 2023
9 Zev Transition Council, ROADMAP TO 2030: Enabling a Global Transition to Zero Emission Vehicles, July 2023
10 ICCT, Total Cost Of Ownership Of Alternative Powertrain Technologies For Class 8 Long-Haul Trucks In The United States, April 2023
11 Global Maritime Forum, Getting to Zero Coalition
12 Columbia Threadneedle Investments, Smooth sailing or all at sea: what does the new shipping net zero target mean for investors? Joe Horrocks-Taylor, 4 August 2023

Important information

For use by professional clients and/or equivalent investor types in your jurisdiction (not to be used with or passed on to retail clients). For marketing purposes.

 

This document is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered representative of any particular investment. This should not be considered an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any securities or other financial instruments, or to provide investment advice or services. Investing involves risk including the risk of loss of principal. Your capital is at risk. Market risk may affect a single issuer, sector of the economy, industry or the market as a whole. The value of investments is not guaranteed, and therefore an investor may not get back the amount invested. International investing involves certain risks and volatility due to potential political, economic or currency fluctuations and different financial and accounting standards. The securities included herein are for illustrative purposes only, subject to change and should not be construed as a recommendation to buy or sell. Securities discussed may or may not prove profitable. The views expressed are as of the date given, may change as market or other conditions change and may differ from views expressed by other Columbia Threadneedle Investments (Columbia Threadneedle) associates or affiliates. Actual investments or investment decisions made by Columbia Threadneedle and its affiliates, whether for its own account or on behalf of clients, may not necessarily reflect the views expressed. This information is not intended to provide investment advice and does not take into consideration individual investor circumstances. Investment decisions should always be made based on an investor’s specific financial needs, objectives, goals, time horizon and risk tolerance. Asset classes described may not be suitable for all investors. Past performance does not guarantee future results, and no forecast should be considered a guarantee either. Information and opinions provided by third parties have been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed. This document and its contents have not been reviewed by any regulatory authority.

 

In Australia: Issued by Threadneedle Investments Singapore (Pte.) Limited [“TIS”], ARBN 600 027 414. TIS is exempt from the requirement to hold an Australian financial services licence under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) and relies on Class Order 03/1102 in respect of the financial services it provides to wholesale clients in Australia. This document should only be distributed in Australia to “wholesale clients” as defined in Section 761G of the Corporations Act. TIS is regulated in Singapore (Registration number: 201101559W) by the Monetary Authority of Singapore under the Securities and Futures Act (Chapter 289), which differ from Australian laws.

 

In Singapore: Issued by Threadneedle Investments Singapore (Pte.) Limited, 3 Killiney Road, #07-07, Winsland House 1, Singapore 239519, which is regulated in Singapore by the Monetary Authority of Singapore under the Securities and Futures Act (Chapter 289). Registration number: 201101559W. This advertisement has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.

 

In Hong Kong: Issued by Threadneedle Portfolio Services Hong Kong Limited 天利投資管理香港有限公司. Unit 3004, Two Exchange Square, 8 Connaught Place, Hong Kong, which is licensed by the Securities and Futures Commission (“SFC”) to conduct Type 1 regulated activities (CE:AQA779). Registered in Hong Kong under the Companies Ordinance (Chapter 622), No. 1173058.

 

In Japan: Issued by Columbia Threadneedle Investments Japan Co., Ltd. Financial Instruments Business Operator, The Director-General of Kanto Local Finance Bureau (FIBO) No.3281, and a member of Japan Investment Advisers Association and Type II Financial Instruments Firms Association.

 

In the UK: Issued by Threadneedle Asset Management Limited, No. 573204 and/or Columbia Threadneedle Management Limited, No. 517895, both registered in England and Wales and authorised and regulated in the UK by the Financial Conduct Authority.

 

In the EEA: Issued by Threadneedle Management Luxembourg S.A., registered with the Registre de Commerce et des Sociétés (Luxembourg), No. B 110242 and/or Columbia Threadneedle Netherlands B.V., regulated by the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM), registered No. 08068841.

 

In Switzerland: Issued by Threadneedle Portfolio Services AG, an unregulated Swiss firm or Columbia Threadneedle Management (Swiss) GmbH, acting as representative office of Columbia Threadneedle Management Limited, authorised and regulated by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA).

 

In the Middle East: This document is distributed by Columbia Threadneedle Investments (ME) Limited, which is regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA). For Distributors: This document is intended to provide distributors with information about Group products and services and is not for further distribution. For Institutional Clients: The information in this document is not intended as financial
advice and is only intended for persons with appropriate investment knowledge and who meet the regulatory criteria to be classified as a Professional Client or Market Counterparties and no other Person should act upon it.

 

This document may be made available to you by an affiliated company which is part of the Columbia Threadneedle Investments group of companies: Columbia Threadneedle Management Limited in the UK; Columbia Threadneedle Netherlands B.V., regulated by the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM), registered No. 08068841.

 

Columbia Threadneedle Investments is the global brand name of the Columbia and Threadneedle group of companies.

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Important information

For use by professional clients and/or equivalent investor types in your jurisdiction (not to be used with or passed on to retail clients). For marketing purposes.

 

This document is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered representative of any particular investment. This should not be considered an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any securities or other financial instruments, or to provide investment advice or services. Investing involves risk including the risk of loss of principal. Your capital is at risk. Market risk may affect a single issuer, sector of the economy, industry or the market as a whole. The value of investments is not guaranteed, and therefore an investor may not get back the amount invested. International investing involves certain risks and volatility due to potential political, economic or currency fluctuations and different financial and accounting standards. The securities included herein are for illustrative purposes only, subject to change and should not be construed as a recommendation to buy or sell. Securities discussed may or may not prove profitable. The views expressed are as of the date given, may change as market or other conditions change and may differ from views expressed by other Columbia Threadneedle Investments (Columbia Threadneedle) associates or affiliates. Actual investments or investment decisions made by Columbia Threadneedle and its affiliates, whether for its own account or on behalf of clients, may not necessarily reflect the views expressed. This information is not intended to provide investment advice and does not take into consideration individual investor circumstances. Investment decisions should always be made based on an investor’s specific financial needs, objectives, goals, time horizon and risk tolerance. Asset classes described may not be suitable for all investors. Past performance does not guarantee future results, and no forecast should be considered a guarantee either. Information and opinions provided by third parties have been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed. This document and its contents have not been reviewed by any regulatory authority.

 

In Australia: Issued by Threadneedle Investments Singapore (Pte.) Limited [“TIS”], ARBN 600 027 414. TIS is exempt from the requirement to hold an Australian financial services licence under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) and relies on Class Order 03/1102 in respect of the financial services it provides to wholesale clients in Australia. This document should only be distributed in Australia to “wholesale clients” as defined in Section 761G of the Corporations Act. TIS is regulated in Singapore (Registration number: 201101559W) by the Monetary Authority of Singapore under the Securities and Futures Act (Chapter 289), which differ from Australian laws.

 

In Singapore: Issued by Threadneedle Investments Singapore (Pte.) Limited, 3 Killiney Road, #07-07, Winsland House 1, Singapore 239519, which is regulated in Singapore by the Monetary Authority of Singapore under the Securities and Futures Act (Chapter 289). Registration number: 201101559W. This advertisement has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.

 

In Hong Kong: Issued by Threadneedle Portfolio Services Hong Kong Limited 天利投資管理香港有限公司. Unit 3004, Two Exchange Square, 8 Connaught Place, Hong Kong, which is licensed by the Securities and Futures Commission (“SFC”) to conduct Type 1 regulated activities (CE:AQA779). Registered in Hong Kong under the Companies Ordinance (Chapter 622), No. 1173058.

 

In Japan: Issued by Columbia Threadneedle Investments Japan Co., Ltd. Financial Instruments Business Operator, The Director-General of Kanto Local Finance Bureau (FIBO) No.3281, and a member of Japan Investment Advisers Association and Type II Financial Instruments Firms Association.

 

In the UK: Issued by Threadneedle Asset Management Limited, No. 573204 and/or Columbia Threadneedle Management Limited, No. 517895, both registered in England and Wales and authorised and regulated in the UK by the Financial Conduct Authority.

 

In the EEA: Issued by Threadneedle Management Luxembourg S.A., registered with the Registre de Commerce et des Sociétés (Luxembourg), No. B 110242 and/or Columbia Threadneedle Netherlands B.V., regulated by the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM), registered No. 08068841.

 

In Switzerland: Issued by Threadneedle Portfolio Services AG, an unregulated Swiss firm or Columbia Threadneedle Management (Swiss) GmbH, acting as representative office of Columbia Threadneedle Management Limited, authorised and regulated by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA).

 

In the Middle East: This document is distributed by Columbia Threadneedle Investments (ME) Limited, which is regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA). For Distributors: This document is intended to provide distributors with information about Group products and services and is not for further distribution. For Institutional Clients: The information in this document is not intended as financial
advice and is only intended for persons with appropriate investment knowledge and who meet the regulatory criteria to be classified as a Professional Client or Market Counterparties and no other Person should act upon it.

 

This document may be made available to you by an affiliated company which is part of the Columbia Threadneedle Investments group of companies: Columbia Threadneedle Management Limited in the UK; Columbia Threadneedle Netherlands B.V., regulated by the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM), registered No. 08068841.

 

Columbia Threadneedle Investments is the global brand name of the Columbia and Threadneedle group of companies.

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