In June, thinkers, inventors, makers, businessmen and media members from all over the world gathered in Montreal, Canada for the 2019 edition of Movin'On, the world’s largest and most advanced summit on sustainable mobility founded by Michelin, to shoot up new ideas, lay down cutting-edge innovations, and discuss solutions on how the world’s seven billion inhabitants can move around freely while leaving significantly less impact on the environment. This is what sustainable mobility is all about, a concept that gives us a glimpse into our travel and transport prospects in the future.
Here’s a short lowdown on what we learned.
The circular economy is the real deal.
Circular economy, an economic system that’s aimed at producing less waste through the continuous use of materials, is a practice that has been adopted by a few forward-thinking conglomerates as the new solution for a sustainable economy. Tire manufacturer, Michelin, for one, is gearing towards the use of biodegradable materials for its tires. Meanwhile, back at home, Thai manufacturing company, SCG, which was one of the exhibitors, is testing the possibility of making asphalt roads out of used plastic bags as an alternative to recycling.
Airless tires are coming soon.
Probably one of the biggest launches at Movin’On were tires that don’t need to be filled with air from Michelin. Named UPTIS (Unique Punctureproof Tire System), these airless tires are the result of ten years of research, and are aimed at prolonging the use of materials to reflect Michelin’s commitment to the circular economy concept and sustainable mobility.
Made of 100-percent sustainable materials using the 3D printing system, these UPTIS tires are meant to be sturdier too—since they don’t have air, they can’t explode. You would be able to take them on any type of road without worrying about punctures, and they will last longer even with near-zero maintenance, which means less raw materials used to manufacture new tires. Without a spare tire, your car will be lighter, hence less energy consumption. Michelin is working closely with General Motors to test the product and is planning to launch these airless tires commercially in 2024. They probably won’t come cheap, but at least you’ve got time to save up.
Hyperloops are cropping up all over the world.
Elon Musk might be credited for making the hyperloop, a system of tubes through which a pod may travel free of air resistance at high speed, famous, but it is makers, scientists, and investors all over the world that are making it a reality. Virgin-backed Hyperloop One is working on a project in Missouri while, in Thailand, Toronto-based TransPod has proposed a study on hyperloop that will connect Bangkok and Chiang Mai, with a possible extension to Phuket. TransPod’s study shows that the hyperloop could result in an economic rate of return (ERR) of 13.78 percent within 30 years of operations, and an increase in GDP of 4.7 percent.
Fly-pool, anyone?
Four former Airbus engineers are taking your taxi ride to the next level with Atea, a hybrid-electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) helicopter that promises minimal noise and low operational costs. The company envisions these air taxis as an ideal solution to cities with heavy traffic (a picture of Bangkok is actually on their website) and as a revolutionary alternative for public transport.
Hydrogen fuel cells could be the next big thing.
Partially or fully electric engines are widely recognized as one of the biggest and brightest solutions for sustainable mobility. These engines, apparently, can now run on Fast and the Furious-level speeds (you have to get your hands on the BMW i8). But while electric engines may be eco-friendly, not all sources of electricity offer the same promise. Plus, the production of batteries still leaves a significant carbon footprint.
A more sustainable alternative may be the hydrogen fuel cell engine. Engineering company Symbio (just acquired by Michelin) and Toyota presented the sophisticated engine, which operates on hydrogen, and emits only heat and water, promising even greener mobility. The catch? The technology is still at its developing stage and will take some time until it can be commercially sold or hydrogen stations built.
Reported from Montreal, Canada