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 Fuels and Batteries
Sustainable transportation options run on clean fuel, batteries, or both. Alternative fuels canbe 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
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.
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:
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 the U.S. Department of Energy and its national laboratories.
Fuel-Efficient Driving and Vehicles
Visit the Alternative Fuels Data Center and 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.
