Thrust 1: Clean Transportation Choices

Research highlights from the CLEETS Thrust 1 team.

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This research thrust focuses on transforming transportation systems to be cleaner, more equitable, and sustainable by adopting a whole-systems approach that challenges traditional transportation modeling. It investigates how clean energy transportation technologies such as electric, autonomous, and active modes can be widely adopted through targeted interventions, policy incentives, and optimal public infrastructure deployment. It also emphasizes ensuring accessibility and equity during this transition, particularly for disadvantaged communities. The project will analyze the influence of travel behavior, land use policies, and the evolution of freight and passenger transport systems, while also developing methods to allocate charging infrastructure and promote equitable access. A major goal is to improve the accuracy and relevance of current transportation modeling frameworks for guiding public policy on emissions reduction and sustainable mobility. The work will be carried out through three core tasks:

• Studying the dynamics of clean vehicle adoption and demand management using surveys, spatial analysis, and real-world data
• Optimizing mixed vehicle fleet operations (clean and fossil-fuel-based) using reinforcement learning and simulation platforms like POLARIS and MATSIM, with attention to user preferences and distributive equity
• Projecting future emissions and clean vehicle adoption trajectories by integrating machine learning, vehicle diffusion models, and electric grid emissions data.

Through these methods, the research aims to support evidence-based decision-making, optimize charging and routing strategies, and generate insights on how clean energy transport systems can be equitably deployed and scaled.