US Transport sector challenges (primarily for US audiences) (v1.1)

This subject is best written as a country specific essay. 

I asked copilot this question: 

The transport sector is a major consumer of fossil fuels. 28% of US greenhouse gas emissions are due to the transport sector. The breakdown of greenhouse gas emissions from the transport sector in US in 2022 is: 

• Light-duty vehicles: 57% 
• Medium- and heavy-duty trucks: 23% 
• Aircraft: 9% 
• Other: 6% 
• Rail: 2% 
• Ships and boats: 3% 

The US culture and lifestyles, city designs and population dispersal in cities, low prevalence of public transit systems, very limited rail options except primarily metros or light rail in a few cities, and vast spaces strongly favors using automobiles in most regions and this will not change. There are some high and mid-speed train corridors or new rail projects, but they are very few. The northeast is one of the few areas with a decent intercity rail market. 

The outlook for hydrogen-powered vehicles is improving after decades of unfulfilled hype. Thanks to unprecedented federal support and increased private investment, hydrogen fuel cells are gaining traction. These cells produce electricity by mixing hydrogen and air, with water vapor as the only byproduct. They offer a longer driving range than electric vehicle batteries and faster refueling times. Today it is a niche market. but could be promising for long haul trucking and freight logistics operations. There have also been efforts towards hydrail's and hydrolley's (hydrogen powered trains and streetcars). 

There are challenges in the EV and hybrid markets. The EV and Hybrid markets in the US has run into significant roadblocks in terms of the demand not ramping up despite hefty tax breaks offered, prices not coming down, unavailability of widespread charging stations, relatively long time to charge, relatively short range on a charge, supply chain difficulties for components and raw materials needed (like Nickel, Cobalt, Lithium, Manganese and Graphite) for EV batteries and relatively low levels of local manufacture of batteries. 

Individual actions when multiplied across a large population can significantly bring down the release levels. Actions an individual can take include buying an EV or Hybrid, ridesharing, taking the train or streetcar, walking, cycling, and taking public transit. 

------------

 Here is copilot's response to EV and hybrids:

 

The challenges faced by the electric vehicle (EV) and hybrid markets are multifaceted, but there are potential remedies to address them. Let’s explore some of the causes and possible solutions:

1.     Technology-Adoption Lifecycle:

o    The EV market has stalled partly because it has reached a difficult point in the technology-adoption lifecycle. Early adopters’ preferences no longer dictate the market.

o    Solution: To boost sales and reach a broader segment, automakers and policymakers should cater to a different set of interests and concerns. Offering more hybrids as a bridge to an all-electric future could be beneficial. 

2.     Charging Infrastructure:

o    The availability and accessibility of charging stations significantly impact EV adoption.

o    Solutions:

§  Enhance the charging infrastructure by increasing the number of charging stations.

§  Explore battery swapping techniques to address range anxiety and reduce charging times. 

3.     Battery Technology and Range:

o    EVs face range limitations compared to traditional gasoline vehicles.

o    Solutions:

§  Invest in research and development to improve battery technology, allowing for longer ranges on a single charge.

§  Develop faster-charging batteries to reduce charging time.

4.     Supply Chain Challenges:

o    Components and raw materials needed for EV batteries face supply chain difficulties.

o    Solutions:

§  Encourage local manufacturing of batteries to reduce dependence on imports.

§  Diversify supply chains to mitigate risks.

5.     Price and Tax Incentives:

o    Despite tax breaks, EV prices remain relatively high.

o    Solutions:

§  Continue offering incentives to make EVs more affordable.

§  Innovate cost-effective manufacturing processes.

6.     Consumer Education and Awareness:

o    Many consumers are still unfamiliar with EVs and their benefits.

o    Solutions:

§  Educate consumers about the advantages of EVs, including environmental benefits and cost savings.

§  Address misconceptions and promote EV adoption.

7.     Policy Support:

o    Strong policy frameworks can drive EV adoption.

o    Solutions:

§  Governments can incentivize EV purchases through tax credits, rebates, and emissions regulations.

§  Invest in charging infrastructure and research.

8.     Collaboration and Partnerships:

o    Collaboration between automakers, tech companies, and governments is crucial.

o    Solutions:

§ Foster partnerships to accelerate EV development, infrastructure, and adoption.

§ Leverage AI and I0T technologies to overcome challenges. 

In summary, addressing these challenges requires a holistic approach involving technology, policy, infrastructure, and consumer awareness. By doing so, we can accelerate the transition to a more sustainable transportation system.

------------

Here is copilot's assessment on US urbanization and transport options other than automobiles. 

Certainly! Let’s delve into some aspects related to urbanization, transportation, and population trends in the United States.

1. Urbanization and Population Growth:

   • The 2020 Census data reveals interesting trends in big city growth. While 2020's saw a decline in many cities due to suburbanization, the 2010's marked a return to for several major cities. 
   • Eight of the 10 million-plus cities experienced growth, including New York, which registered a 7.7% gain. Cities in the South and West, such as Phoenix, Houston, Fort Worth, and Austin, showed significant growth rates.
   • Atlanta, in particular, demonstrated remarkable cross-decade growth, increasing from 0.8% in 2000-2010 to 18.7% in 2010-2020.
   • However, it’s essential to note that some of this growth was front-loaded in the early 2010s due to the arrival of young movers, especially millennials, after the 2007-2009 Great Recession.

2. City Designs and Transportation:

   • The sprawling nature of many U.S. cities has historically favored automobile use. Only 12 of the 50 largest U.S. cities in 2020 had population densities as high as 7,500 people per square mile, which was the U.S. big-city average in 1950.
   • Factors like urban renewal, suburbanization, and the construction of interstate highways have contributed to the dispersion of populations away from city centers.
   • Public transit systems, while present in some cities, remain limited compared to automobile infrastructure. Metros and light rail systems are more common, but comprehensive public transit networks are lacking in many regions.

3. Rail Transportation:

   • High-speed and intercity rail projects face challenges in the U.S., but there have been notable efforts. The northeast corridor (including cities like New York, Washington, D.C., and Boston) has a relatively well-developed intercity rail market. (My note: Other efforts include Brightline private enterprise high speed rail efforts in Florida and California/Nevada. Other early proposals are from Houston to Dallas, Dallas to Fort Worth, and Raleigh to Atlanta and then on to Orlando)
   • However, in most other regions, rail options are limited. Initiatives like Amtrak’s Acela Express and California’s high-speed rail project aim to improve rail connectivity, but progress is gradual.

4. Climate Change and Transportation:

   • Addressing climate change requires rethinking transportation. Promoting public transit, investing in rail infrastructure, and encouraging alternative modes of transport (such as cycling and walking) are crucial.
   • Policymakers, industry leaders, and communities must collaborate to create sustainable urban designs that reduce reliance on automobiles and promote eco-friendly alternatives.

In summary, while challenges persist, there is growing awareness of the need for sustainable urban planning and transportation solutions. Grassroots efforts and education play a vital role in advocating for positive change. 

------------

Here is copilot's response to Hydrogen powered vehicles:

Indeed, hydrogen fuel cells have seen renewed interest and investment in recent years. Their potential advantages, such as longer driving range and quicker refueling times, make them an intriguing alternative to traditional electric vehicle batteries. The water vapor byproduct is certainly a cleaner emission compared to internal combustion engines.

Hydrogen-powered vehicles operate by combining hydrogen gas (H₂) with oxygen from the air in a fuel cell stack. The chemical reaction produces electricity, which powers the vehicle’s electric motor. Here’s the simplified reaction:

2H2​+O2​→2H2​O+electricity

However, there are still challenges to overcome:

• Production: Most hydrogen is currently produced from natural gas through a process called steam methane reforming (SMR), which emits carbon dioxide. Developing cleaner methods for hydrogen production (such as electrolysis using renewable energy) is crucial.
• Storage and Distribution: Hydrogen is less dense than gasoline or diesel, so storage and transportation require specialized infrastructure.
• Cost: Fuel cell technology remains expensive, although costs are gradually decreasing.
• Infrastructure: Building a network of hydrogen refueling stations is essential for widespread adoption.

Regarding hydrail (hydrogen-powered trains) and hydrolley (hydrogen-powered streetcars), these applications could be particularly beneficial for public transportation systems. They offer the advantage of zero local emissions, quieter operation, and potentially longer service life compared to diesel-powered counterparts. However, like hydrogen vehicles, they face infrastructure challenges and cost considerations.

As we continue to address climate change and seek sustainable energy solutions, hydrogen remains an exciting area of research and development. It will be interesting to see how it evolves in the coming years!

------------

You could consider buying an EV or hybrid or creating educational material for buyers. If you are a homeowner, you could look at home charging. If you are a car dealer you could consider gasoline trade-ins. Walk or use public transit or bicycle or rideshare or use trains or streetcars where possible. Possibly get involved in community or city considerations of urban planning and transit options.