International Journal of Transportation Engineering

International Journal of Transportation Engineering

Decarbonizing Road Transport: Political, Technological, Economic, and Behavioral Challenges

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
Hamed Shabani 1
Jafar Jamili 2
Mohammad Ali Salavati 3
1 Road Traffic Safety dept., Road Maintenance and Transportation Organization
2 General Director of Commercialization and Associations Affairs Dept., Ministry of Roads and Urban Development
3 Transportation Deputy, Isfahan Branch for Road Maintenance and Transportation Organization
10.22119/ijte.2026.560105.1717
Abstract
The transition to a decarbonized road transport system is essential for achieving global climate targets. However, numerous challenges hinder the effective implementation of decarbonization policies. This paper explores four key challenges: political, technological, economic, and behavioral. Political barriers arise from industry lobbying, policy resistance, and the complexities of international coordination. Technological challenges include the high cost of electric vehicles (EVs), battery limitations, and inadequate charging infrastructure. Economic hurdles involve high upfront costs, industrial disruptions, and the need for substantial investment in new technologies. Finally, behavioral obstacles include consumer hesitancy, range anxiety, and societal resistance to change. This study highlights successful case studies, such as Norway’s EV incentives and California’s policy measures, demonstrating that strong government intervention and public awareness campaigns can facilitate the transition. The findings suggest that an integrated approach combining policy, technology, and behavioral shifts is essential to overcome these challenges and ensure a sustainable future for road transport.
Keywords
Road transport decarbonization
Political barriers
Technological challenges
Electric vehicles (EVs)
International Journal of Transportation Engineering

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 21 October 2026