Clean mobility isn’t just for trucks and trains anymore. With transportation being the largest carbon emissions creator, we must look to create new modes of mobility. Through innovation and public-private partnerships, clean mobility expands and puts the power into people’s hands–literally.
Micro-mobility
In urban environments, micro-mobility is leading the charge. People who live in cities are within walking distance of grocery stores, coffee shops, and anything else they may need in daily life. More and more people are conscious of their health and choosing to walk. To give them a rest, some cities have begun to offer Smart Benches. Larger cities, like Los Angeles and New York, also offer low-cost bike-sharing options to citizens, while companies have fleets of electric bicycles and scooters that can take their staff on short-range trips. Micro-mobility places emphasis on the individual to make changes to their transportation routine, helped along by private and public enterprise.
Electric Vehicles
For those who drive, switching to an electric vehicle (EV) is a sound choice. Many believe EVs are more expensive, but when you factor in the money spent on gas and maintenance for a gasoline vehicle, an electric one’s cost efficiency becomes clear. And as more people begin to drive EVs, more charging stations will pop up in both urban and rural environments. Those with “range anxiety” won’t have to worry about driving long distances. Our iSun Solar Canopy Carports offer sustainable, solar-powered electric vehicle charging capabilities–clean energy for clean mobility, even where there is no grid.
Clean Air Travel
Clean air travel is also attainable, though it’s a neglected area when we discuss clean mobility. The Solar Impulse Foundation, founded by Bertrand Picard, made history in 2016 with the first around-the-world trip in a solar-powered airplane.
While air travel has decreased due to the Covid-19 pandemic, this “downtime” allows major air fleets to discover new ways to fly clean. The Solar Impulse flight proved that clean air travel is not only possible, but it isn’t a faraway dream. Clean mobility solutions can be applied to any mode of transportation right now, and several electric planes have launched in smaller sized models, with initial ranges of up to 200miles.
So, as we look to the future of clean mobility, private-public partnerships will be the guiding force that moves the needle forward. If governments set a goal, businesses can help hit the objective. New government values incentivizing clean energy and transportation are needed to encourage change. By supporting sustainable business models through investments and funding, cities and countries can transform the way citizens move.
