Attention on futuristic technologies such as driverless cars, flying cars, and foldable smartphones fell largely by the wayside when the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020. Swedish company Jetson, though, has been hard at work behind the scenes and this year plans to ship the first 12 units of its personal electric aerial vehicle to consumers.
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The Hyperloop is a proposed mode of passenger and freight transportation that would use magnetic levitation and electromagnetic propulsion to send sleek metal pods hurtling through low-pressure, windowless vacuum tubes at hundreds of miles per hour. Virgin Hyperloop is one company exploring this mode of transportation, with potential plans to build a route in the U.S. Midwest.
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Developing an electric vehicle ecosystem is about more than just manufacturing cars—you also need to build the infrastructure necessary to support such a system. Massachusetts Institute of Technology researchers published a paper focusing on two potential solutions for supporting electrification: expanded charging infrastructure and access to supplementary long-range vehicles.
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Fuel cells are an alternative to batteries to power electric vehicles. Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells in particular are of high interest, and researchers in Japan have now developed a new glass material that could serve as an improved electrolyte in these cells.
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Bike sales have increased rapidly since bike shops in the U.S. reopened. However, though more people are using this form of transportation, many cities are ill equipped to handle large numbers of cyclists. In a proof-of-concept study, The University of Tokyo researchers offer one way to address lack of parking space—inflatable bikes.
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Did you remember to wear green for St. Patrick’s Day? We’re celebrating the day by highlighting some “green” energy research at The Pennsylvania State University on a stable and high-energy battery made possible thanks to a self-heating ability.
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Carbon fiber composites face challenges hindering their widespread use in vehicles. Researchers from 22 organizations in Japan are collaborating to investigate if cellulose nanofibers are a viable alternative.
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Highway construction can take longer than is necessary if cars drive on the concrete before it has fully matured. Purdue University researchers are working with the Indiana Department of Transportation to test piezoelectric sensors that measure concrete strength.
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The 19th Annual Ohio Fuel Cell Symposium, which took place in June, focused on hydrogen and its applications in energy storage and power generation. Learn about the current successes and challenges in bringing the technology to fruition.
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Goodyear released a concept design for AERO, a two-in-one airless tire that serves as both tire and propeller in future flying cars. Though realizing such a design may not be possible, it can trigger discussion about future directions for technology development.
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