Decarbonizing the transport sector is a crucial challenge in achieving global and regional climate goals. In Europe, the Green Deal and the "Fit for 55" package set ambitious greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets. In this context, the transport sector, with an emphasis on road transport, plays a pivotal role in the transition to climate neutrality. This paper presents a systematic review of the recent scientific literature, focusing on studies that assess the decarbonization of road transport through quantitative evaluation methods and models. Selected studies were classified according to three main dimensions: (i) the analytical approach and model used, (ii) the type of transport considered (freight, passenger, or both), and (iii) the technologies and strategies adopted, in line with the Avoid–Shift–Improve (ASI) framework. Five main categories emerged from the review: bottom-up estimation approaches, integrated energy–transport models/applications, well-to-wheel (WtW) and life cycle assessment (LCA) perspective and whole-system intersectoral models. Most of the studies focus on the “Improve” pillar, investigating the impact of advanced technologies such as electrification, alternative fuels, logistic optimization, and policy mixes. Despite the diversity of methods and models, the reviewed studies converge on a common conclusion: current policy and technological trajectories are insufficient to meet climate targets, especially in the freight sector, which is consistently identified as “hard-to-abate”. The findings reveal a progressive shift towards more integrated and multidisciplinary approaches that more effectively capture the complexities of transport transitions. The review aims at offering a comparative and systematized assessment of the scientific landscape, supporting public policy and industrial strategies that align with sustainable mobility goals.
Decarbonizing Road Transport: A Systematic Review of Methods and Models for Emission Impact Assessment
Picone Mariarosaria;Falanga Antonella;Greco Federica Maria;Carteni Armando
2025
Abstract
Decarbonizing the transport sector is a crucial challenge in achieving global and regional climate goals. In Europe, the Green Deal and the "Fit for 55" package set ambitious greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets. In this context, the transport sector, with an emphasis on road transport, plays a pivotal role in the transition to climate neutrality. This paper presents a systematic review of the recent scientific literature, focusing on studies that assess the decarbonization of road transport through quantitative evaluation methods and models. Selected studies were classified according to three main dimensions: (i) the analytical approach and model used, (ii) the type of transport considered (freight, passenger, or both), and (iii) the technologies and strategies adopted, in line with the Avoid–Shift–Improve (ASI) framework. Five main categories emerged from the review: bottom-up estimation approaches, integrated energy–transport models/applications, well-to-wheel (WtW) and life cycle assessment (LCA) perspective and whole-system intersectoral models. Most of the studies focus on the “Improve” pillar, investigating the impact of advanced technologies such as electrification, alternative fuels, logistic optimization, and policy mixes. Despite the diversity of methods and models, the reviewed studies converge on a common conclusion: current policy and technological trajectories are insufficient to meet climate targets, especially in the freight sector, which is consistently identified as “hard-to-abate”. The findings reveal a progressive shift towards more integrated and multidisciplinary approaches that more effectively capture the complexities of transport transitions. The review aims at offering a comparative and systematized assessment of the scientific landscape, supporting public policy and industrial strategies that align with sustainable mobility goals.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
