Connectivity and Convergence: Transportation for the 21st Century

Drivers across the nation are powering up at electric charging stations, and gas-fueled cars are getting an average of 16% more miles to the gallon than they did just five years ago. However, as the world´s population continues to grow, transportation demands and petroleum consumption steadily increase. A 21st-century transportation system not only needs vehicle technology capable of meeting fuel economy goals of 54.5 mi/gal, a truly sustainable transportation future will rely on the widespread adoption of multiple solutions, including alternative fuels, electric-drive vehicles, a grid powered by renewable energy sources, new approaches to fueling and charging, and innovative systems of vehicle connectivity as well as more fuel-efficient gasoline-powered vehicles. Electric vehicle technology has been around for a century now. While PEVs could still benefit from technological refinement, particularly in the areas of energy storage and power electronics, the interface between car, charging station, and grid provides another key to putting more of these vehicles on the road.