RIDING INTO THE FUTURE: NEW TRANSPORTATION TRENDS TAKE SHAPE

Electric vehicles (EVs) are hitting an inflection point with ranges improving, costs falling and charging infrastructure expanding. Related sales are projected to surpass 28% of all vehicles sold globally by 2025. Supportive policies, automotive innovation and climate action awareness will drive mainstream adoption. Commercial EV fleets will also rapidly grow across logistics sectors. Expect fundamental shifts across automobile manufacturing, fuel retail and maintenance ecosystems.

Advances in Autonomous Transportation

Major advances towards fully autonomous transportation will emerge before 2025 as AI technology matures. Despite current hype, mainstream consumer adoption is still years away. However near-term potential in logistics networks is promising with leader Amazon announcing autonomous trucking services. Regulation challenges around safety, liability and infrastructure remain key hurdles though to resolve first.

Integrated Mobility Ecosystems

Fragmented transit options will gradually consolidate into mobility ecosystems enabled by big data, IoT sensors and platform business models. Metro systems, roads, parking infrastructure, taxis, ride-sharing, scooters, bicycles and more will interconnect as digital services for optimized movement. Travelers can seamlessly plan, book and pay for trips across multiple modes in one workflow. Small towns and cities will also launch smart mobility startups.

Mainstreaming Micromobility

Shared micro-transport like e-bikes and electric scooters will explode in adoption as urban infrastructure adapts to open pathways for short distance trips. Dedicated micromobility lanes and parking pods are easing right-of-way conflicts to enable safer integration amid rising public uptake. Regulation also supports growth as more states allow things like riding e-scooters without a license. Micromobility unlocks flexible first/last mile connections.

Congestion Pricing and Carbon Taxes

And, naturally, major cities will pass legislation on congestion pricing prior to 2025 to curb traffic and emissions in urban cores, enabled by low cost tracking technology. Singapore, London and others have shown success. Carbon taxes on transportation fuel, vehicles and infrastructure will also help change behaviors to reduce private car usage. Improving public transit accessibility is key to managing these policy transitions sustainably.