Pathways to a net zero CO₂ Swiss mobility system

A well-functioning global mobility system is central for the economy and the well-being of society. However, passenger and freight transport require space, infrastructure and energy resources and have a negative impact on the environment, especially as fossil fuels continue to dominate the mobility sector.

The white paper of the Swiss Competence Center for Energy Research - Efficient Technologies and Systems for Mobility (SCCER Mobility) aims at providing a holistic view of the Swiss mobility system, encompassing passenger and freight transport, including short-, mid- and long haul-modes over land, air, and sea.

SCCER Mobility recommends a combination of different measures to improve sustainability of transport and mobility in Switzerland: reduce excessive transport, shift to more energy-efficient modes of transport, improve energy conversion efficiency, and ultimately replace fossil energy carriers. Policy, pricing, the appropriate use of digitalization, and consideration of human behavioral aspects play a key role on this transformation.

However, near-net-zero CO2 emissions in the mobility sector can only be achieved if the industrial manufacturing sector is decarbonized as well. Spatial and infrastructure planning also play a major role. In passenger transport, the focus should be on promoting public and low-speed modes of transport. Contrary to the emerging policies favoring electric vehicles, it appears that net zero is more likely to be achieved cost-efficiently through a broad portfolio of energy sources (electricity, hydrogen, and synthetic fuels) and powertrain technologies (battery electric, plug-in hybrids, and fuel cells). Concerning national strategies for providing energy sources for decarbonizing mobility, SCCER Mobility considers a mix of domestically produced electricity and renewable, synthetic fuels – mainly produced abroad – as likely to be the most appropriate means to achieve net-zero CO2.
 
Finally, all stakeholders need to be aware that the transformation toward climate neutrality is a major challenge. Informed decisions, innovative technologies and business models, fair pricing and a combination of long-term strategic planning and tactical flexibility to address unforeseen developments, will be key.