A Consideration on Fundamental Features of Energy Efficiency for Transportation Modes

Abstract

Energy efficiency of transportation is in great concern from the viewpoint of environment since energy consumption of transportation is a significant part of carbon dioxide generation. Developement of new technologies to reduce the energy consumption must be accelerated according to suitable prospects and policies. The energy efficiency of tranportation depends on the imbalance between the travel demand and supply, and its technical features is not clearly represented by the macroscopic statistics. This technical report examines the efficiencies in vehicle dynamics and power supply systems. These examination suggested the possibilities andlimits of new technologies applicable to transportationsystems, such as electric vehicle and regenerative brakng. It was also revealed that rail systems were much advatageous than road vehicles of personal use, and, the used of rubber-tired train provided high efficiencies in some cases with short distance operations.