In the rapidly evolving landscape of urban mobility, 2024 is poised to be a landmark year, marked by groundbreaking advancements and transformative trends. As we navigate towards more sustainable, efficient, and technologically advanced transportation systems, this article delves into the 10 emerging trends set to reshape the way we move. The results come through SCOUT, MAPEGY’s Future Intelligence Platform, whose capabilities meticulously discover emerging technologies and decipher its ecosystems with cutting edge AI in 3 simple steps.
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Now, let's deep dive into the 2024 top emerging trends in the mobility sector. From the surge in electric vehicle adoption to the advent of autonomous driving, and the integration of mobility with smart city infrastructure, these trends are not just redefining transportation, but also the very fabric of urban living.
Zero emissions & Carbon Neutrality shows the highest news growth with an increase of 513% in news publication in the last 12 months when compared to the previous period. Moreover, this trends reports the highest number in research growth with an increase of 575% in research publications over the last 12 months, showcasing this as a crucial matter for a sustainable future.
Despite the slow progress with only 4.3% of electric vehicle sales compared to combustion engine cars in 2020, there's a clear push towards electrification. Renewables are gaining traction, with more investment attracted than fossil fuels or nuclear power, indicating a shift in energy sources that will likely influence the transportation industry to move towards carbon neutrality. Efforts from companies like Airbus to develop zero-emission aircraft by 2035 further showcase the industry's commitment to this trend. [1]
Autonomous Vehicles are poised to transform mobility, with advancements indicating that the first applications of Level 4 (L4) highway pilots could be possible by 2024 for private cars. These developments are backed by a survey of 75 executives from relevant industries, which reflects a significant push in technology and entrepreneurial energy despite challenges such as regulation and commercialization. Moreover, the presence of early robotaxi services and the expectation of commercial availability of autonomous trucks by 2026 underscore the trend's momentum. These shifts are driven by software advancements, particularly in perception and prediction/decision-making, although hardware development could be a bottleneck due to high costs. [2]
Smart City is poised to be a key trend in 2024, propelled by a growing smart mobility market expected to expand at a CAGR of 21% from 2024 to 2032. Valued at USD 45.39 billion in 2022, this market's growth is fueled by increasing urbanization, advancements in technology, and a rising interest in sustainable city solutions. Integral developments in this trend include the integration of IoT and AI for efficient city management and the adoption of smart city platforms. This trend underscores a shift towards tech-driven urban living, with a focus on enhancing sustainability and living standards. Major players like Cisco Systems, Inc., Siemens AG, and IBM Corporation are leading the charge, showcasing a strong commitment to innovation and sustainable urban development. [3]
Flying cars are set to become a significant trend in mobility by 2024, as evidenced by Suzuki's partnership with SkyDrive to begin production in the first half of that year. These vehicles are expected to gain popularity towards the latter part of the 2020s, with multiple rotors enabling vertical takeoff and landing, and the ability to also travel by land. SkyDrive's new model, which boasts an extended flight range, underscores the technological advancements in this sector. The initiative to showcase these vehicles at the 2025 World Expo in Osaka further highlights the anticipated commercial and public interest in this innovative mode of transportation. [4]
Alternative fuels registers, among the trends in our list, the highest recent Intellectual Property activity with a patent growth of 142% when compared to the previous period. Alternative fuels are gaining traction in the mobility sector, with the market projected to grow at a CAGR of 11.6% from 2024 to 2032. This growth is propelled by a robust automotive industry, increasing demand for both commercial and passenger vehicles, and a shift towards cleaner energy sources like compressed natural gas (CNG) due to rising pollution levels. Key trends include intensified R&D to improve production of fossil fuel alternatives. The market is segmented by fuel types such as CNG, hydrogen, and electric, catering to a range of vehicle types including passenger and commercial vehicles. Significant industry players like Tesla, BMW, and Ford are driving this market, which is bolstered by stringent government regulations against air pollution and a growing inclination towards environmental sustainability. [5]
Electric mobility has the highest number of startup funding (36Bn USD) and research funding (3.4Bn USD). Furthermore, when compared to the other trends, transport electrification has generated some buzz on the internet with the highest number of associated news (329k) with a growth of 306% in the last 12 months. This excitement is also reflected on the publication activity: 53k related research and 119k related patents, making this the most researched and patented trend for mobility among the ones in our list.
As 2024 approaches, electrification is revolutionizing the transportation sector. The global electric mobility market has been valued at USD 109.23 billion in 2022 and expected to grow at a CAGR of 14.6% till 2030. The shift towards electrical mobility is driven by environmental concerns and the advancement of electric vehicle (EV) technologies. Major players like Tesla, Inc., BYD Company Ltd., and Volkswagen AG are leading the charge with innovations in battery technology and vehicle design. This trend is not just about cars; it extends to buses, bikes, and even scooters, illustrating a comprehensive move towards cleaner, more sustainable modes of transportation. [6]
Connected vehicles, integrating advanced communication technologies, are transforming the driving experience. Valued at USD 63.39 billion in 2023, the market is projected to reach USD 141.06 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 17.35%. This trend is underpinned by the increasing demand for enhanced safety, efficiency, and in-vehicle entertainment. Companies like Cisco Systems, Inc., and Qualcomm are at the forefront, developing technologies that enable vehicles to communicate with each other and with road infrastructure. This connectivity is paving the way for advancements in autonomous driving and smart city integration, making transportation more seamless and integrated. [7] [8]
Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) reports the highest number of established companies (21k) among the trends in our list. MaaS is rapidly transforming urban mobility, and it is forecasted to grow at a CAGR of 17.60% to reach around USD 494.46 billion by 2032. By combining various forms of transport services into a single, accessible platform, MaaS makes transportation more efficient and user-friendly. Companies like Uber, Lyft, and DiDi are expanding their services to include not just car sharing, but also scooters, bikes, and public transport options. This trend is particularly relevant in densely populated urban areas, where reducing traffic congestion and promoting sustainable travel options are critical. [9]
High-Speed Rail is a key mobility trend, with the global market valued at $42.5 billion in 2021 and expected to reach $77.6 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 6.3%. The adoption of high-speed rail systems is a significant trend, offering a faster, more efficient alternative to traditional rail and air travel. Countries like China, Japan, and those in the European Union are investing heavily in expanding their high-speed rail networks. These systems reduce travel time, connect major urban centers, and are a more environmentally friendly alternative to short-haul air travel. The expansion of high-speed rail networks is part of a broader trend towards more integrated, sustainable, and efficient intercity travel. [10] [11]
Micromobility is set to be a major trend in 2024, with the market estimated to grow by USD 73.73 billion from 2022 to 2027, at a CAGR of 17.3%. The rise of micromobility, encompassing lightweight electric vehicles like scooters and bikes, is a response to the need for short-distance travel solutions in urban areas. Companies like Lime, Bird, and Spin are leading the way in providing convenient, cost-effective, and eco-friendly alternatives to car travel for short urban trips. This trend is driven by increasing urban density, the need for flexible travel options, and a growing awareness of the environmental impact of traditional transportation modes. [12] [13]
The transportation sector of 2024 is driven by sustainability, technological innovation, and a shift towards more integrated systems. Trends like zero emissions & carbon neutrality, autonomous vehicles, and smart city integration reflect a global commitment to environmental responsibility and advanced urban planning. The rise of flying cars and alternative fuels points to new horizons in mobility, while electrification and connected vehicles demonstrate the evolving relationship between technology and transportation. The growth in Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) & shared mobility, along with high-speed rail, signifies a move towards more efficient, accessible, and sustainable travel options. Collectively, these trends paint a picture of a future where mobility is not just about moving from one place to another, but about doing so in a smarter, cleaner, and more interconnected way.
Technology Intelligence can be defined as the synergistic combination of artificial intelligence (AI) with scouting and landscaping methodologies. Scouting involves actively seeking out and gathering information on emerging technologies, trends, and developments across various domains. Meanwhile, landscaping involves analyzing and mapping the technological landscape to identify key players, innovations, and potential disruptions. By leveraging AI algorithms and advanced data analytics, Technology Intelligence enables organizations to gain actionable insights into the ever-changing technological landscape, empowering them to make informed decisions, anticipate market shifts, and stay ahead of the competition.
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