Sustainable Transportation and Fuels (2024)

Sustainable transportation refers to low- and zero-emission, energy-efficient, and affordable modes of transport, including electric and alternative-fuel vehicles, as well as domestic fuels.

The benefits of sustainable transportation in the United States include:

  • Cost savings on fuel and vehicles
  • Reduced carbon emissions from burning fossil fuels, resulting in less air pollution
  • Job creation with increased vehicle and battery manufacturing and fuel production
  • Improved accessibility to reliable, affordable transportation options for all Americans
  • Enhanced energy security and independence with less reliance on foreign sources of materials and fuels.

Sustainable Transportation and Fuels (1)

Every American can advocate for renewable energy by becoming a Clean Energy Champion. Both small and large actions make a difference. Join the movement.

Advancing Sustainable Transportation in the United States

Funding allocated through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law enables the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) to support sustainable transportation and freight shipping infrastructure, including vehicle charging capabilities, urban and community design, and roads and bridges.

Further, the EERE Vehicle Technologies Office’s research on energy efficient mobility systems focuses on optimizing the overall transportation system to improve the affordability, efficiency, safety, and accessibility of transportation.

EERE offers funding for research and development (R&D) to advance clean energy technologies. Find open funding opportunities and learn how to apply for funding.

EERE also partners with other agencies to advance sustainable transportation efforts. Learn about the U.S. National Blueprint for Decarbonizing Transportation, a landmark strategy to remove all greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector by 2050 developed in partnership with the departments of Energy, Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development, as well as the Environmental Protection Agency.

Sustainable Transportation Research and Development

Three EERE offices support R&D to increase access to domestic, clean transportation fuels and improve the energy efficiency, convenience, and affordability of transporting people and goods:

Bioenergy Technologies Office

Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office

Vehicle Technologies Office

Types of Sustainable Vehicles

Fuel-efficient vehicles require less fuel to operate compared with older vehicles. They save fuel costs and emit fewer greenhouse gases. Save money on gas with Energy Saver tips to improve gas mileage and reduce fuel use, and use comparison tools on FuelEconomy.gov to find a fuel-efficient vehicle.

Hybrid electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and all-electric vehicles use electricity to improve vehicle efficiency. Visit the Alternative Fuels Data Center to learn more about the different types of vehicles.

Millions of Americans rely on public transportation. Watch the video below to learn more about the basics of sustainable public transport:

Video Url

Sustainable Fuels and Batteries

Sustainable transportation options run on clean fuel, batteries, or both. Alternative fuels can be used in flexible-fuel and dual-fuel vehicles as well as vehicles with advanced technology, such as hybrid power systems and fuel cells. Alternative fuels help conserve fuel and reduce emissions. They include:

  • Biodiesel
  • Electricity
  • Ethanol
  • Hydrogen
  • Natural Gas
  • Propane

Sustainable Transportation and Fuels (2)

Advanced vehicle battery technologies have a longer driving range and a reduced charging time. Their costs are declining with ongoing R&D. Learn about EERE's work to improve batteries for electric vehicles.

Clean Energy News

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Maritime Decarbonization

Maritime decarbonization is the process of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the global maritime sector, with an overall goal of placing the sector on a pathway that limits global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius.The U.S. government has committed to ambitious goals for maritime emissions reduction which will require the resources and expertise of the numerous federal agencies working in concert.

Learn about maritime decarbonization and work in this area at theU.S. Department of Energy and its national laboratories.

Fuel-Efficient Driving and Vehicles

Visit the Alternative Fuels Data Centerand FuelEconomy.gov for information on efficient and alternative-fuel vehicles, as well as strategies to save money and fuel, locations of alternative fueling stations, and laws and incentives for alternative fuels and vehicles.

Vehicle Cost Calculator

Alternative Fueling Station Locator

Alternative Fuels Laws and Incentives

Alternative Fuels and Advanced Vehicles

Sustainable Transportation and Fuels (3)


The Joint Office of Energy and Transportation was created through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to facilitate collaboration between the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Other Ways EERE Champions Clean Energy

Renewable Energy

EERE's applied research, development, and demonstration activities aim to make renewable energy cost-competitive with traditional sources of energy. Learn more about EERE's work in geothermal, solar, wind, and water power.

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Buildings and Industry

Learn about EERE's buildings and industry research and development in advanced materials and manufacturing, building technologies, and industrial efficiency and decarbonization.

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Find Clean Energy Jobs

EERE is dedicated to building a clean energy economy, which means millions of new jobs in sustainable transportation and across industries. Learn more about job opportunities in clean energy:

Find Clean Energy Jobs

Ready to start building our clean energy future with a new career at EERE?

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Map a Career in Clean Energy

Clean energy jobs can be found in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors and can range from entry-level to professional positions.

Learn More

Find scholarships, fellowships, internships, and research opportunities with EERE and other U.S. federal agencies related to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

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EERE Job Vacancies

List of job vacancies in EERE.

Learn More

Clean Energy Corps

Be a part of the clean energy revolution and make a difference in the fight against the climate crisis. Join us!

Learn More

Sustainable Transportation and Fuels (2024)

FAQs

What are examples of sustainable transportation? ›

Sustainable transportation is also about balancing our current and future needs. Examples of sustainable transportation include walking, cycling, transit, carpooling, car sharing, and green vehicles.

What is a sustainable form of transportation? ›

Sustainable transportation refers to low- and zero-emission, energy-efficient, and affordable modes of transport, including electric and alternative-fuel vehicles, as well as domestic fuels.

What are the sustainable fuel sources? ›

Renewable gasoline can be produced from various biomass sources. These include lipids (such as vegetable oils, animal fats, greases, and algae) and cellulosic material (such as crop residues, woody biomass, and dedicated energy crops).

What are the examples of transportation fuels? ›

Gasoline is the dominant transportation fuel in the United States, followed by distillate fuels (mostly diesel fuel) and jet fuel. Gasoline includes aviation gasoline and motor gasoline.

What is the most environmentally friendly transport? ›

What are the most eco-friendly transports?
  • Walking or Cycling. ...
  • Public Transport. ...
  • Carpooling. ...
  • Electric Cars. ...
  • Electric Trucks. ...
  • Electric scooters. ...
  • Rail Transportation.
Jan 17, 2024

What are 5 examples of sustainable? ›

Some examples of sustainability are:
  • Crop rotation that helps preserve the fertility of the soil.
  • Use of renewable energy like solar and wind energy.
  • Recycling of wastes to generate bio-energy.
  • Treating water to remove impurities and make it fit for drinking.

What is the greenest mode of transportation? ›

In today's world, where environmental awareness is high, motorcoaches stand out as the greenest way to travel. Motorcoaches have been on the road for more than a century and have always been a popular transportation option for large groups.

Which option is the most sustainable form of transportation? ›

Rail. If you want to reduce your company's impact on the environment, then using rail to transport goods can be a good choice. Experts agree that trains are the cleanest form of transportation.

Which fuel is the most sustainable? ›

Green hydrogen is produced through the electrolysis of water, using renewable energy sources, such as wind or solar power. This process emits no CO2, making green hydrogen the most sustainable option.

How can we make fuel sustainable? ›

There are several different types of sustainable fuel. They can be second generation biofuels, made with agricultural waste such as straw, by-products or waste from crops which wouldn't be used for consumption. They can also be synthetic or e-fuels, created in a chemical process.

What is the most fuel efficient transportation? ›

Bicycle. A standard lightweight, moderate-speed bicycle is one of the most energy-efficient forms of transport. Compared with walking, a 64 kg (140 lb) cyclist riding at 16 km/h (10 mph) requires about half the food energy per unit distance: 27 kcal/km, 3.1 kWh (11 MJ) per 100 km, or 43 kcal/mi.

What does 95% of transportation run on? ›

Over 90% of transportation is fueled by oil, and transportation accounts for almost two thirds of the oil used worldwide. Transportation is responsible for 15% of global Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions and is a major contributor to other air pollutants that affect human health.

What are the alternative fuels for transportation? ›

The use of gasoline for transportation is the most commonly used fuel. However, there are multiple alternative fuels that are making their ways to the market. These alternative fuels include such things as propane, natural gas, electric hybrids, hydrogen fuel cells, and biodiesel.

Which of the following is an example of sustainable transport? ›

any type of sustainable transport is much safer because they use renewable energy. Some well-known examples of sustainable energy are cycling, walking, public transport, etc.; we will discuss these types of sustainable transport a little later in this blog.

What are the three types of sustainable travel? ›

The intertwined nature of these pillars is part of what makes sustainable tourism so complex and nuanced, and it's also why it's so important to think about how your individual actions can impact these three areas: the environment, societies, and economy.

What are the transportation choices for sustainable communities? ›

Human-powered, active mobility like a walk or bike ride is the most sustainable — they're the best options for you and the environment. Walking and biking make individuals and communities healthier by reducing air pollution.

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