Current and future energy systems for road freight transport

An energy system can be defined by an engine/fuel couple that, when combined on a vehicle, produces, on the one hand, energy performance, and on the other polluting emissions. This article focuses on one of the largest of these groups: transportation of goods by heavy goods vehicles, which is currently the most important link in our economy. While the energy performance for this mode of transport is poorer than railway and waterway equipment, it is nevertheless flexible, fast and cost effective. However, its contribution to greenhouse gas emissions and pollutants remains significant, and serious efforts are needed to reach the “factor 4” greenhouse-gas emission reduction goal for the year 2050.