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European Transport and Energy Research Centre

Cutting-Edge International Transportation Research

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An ITS-Davis Centre In Europe

The European Transport and Energy Research Centre (ETERC), established by ITS-Davis and based in Paris, supports the shift to sustainable transportation in Europe and builds stronger connections between Europe, California, and the greater US. These regions are leaders working toward the overarching goal of building sustainable and equitable transportation systems. In response, ETERC seeks to shape policy and support Europe in dialogues with other regions by conducting research and leveraging insights from other ITS-Davis centers.

Transportation and energy technologies are developing rapidly. Anticipating changes in supply and value chains, infrastructure, and life cycle impacts on the environment can help us steer their deployment towards net benefits for society. The most important changes will be the electrification of most vehicles used on roads and a transition in the fuel mix for aviation and shipping. Insights related to these developments are crucial to governments and companies alike.

With a presence in Europe, ETERC broadens the influence of ITS-Davis geographically at a critical time in the development of European transportation policy. The goal is to benefit from lessons learned in California and the US and from the adoption of the European Green Deal to support a transformation of transport and energy systems.

As the world faces similar challenges across all geographies, ETERC will serve a crucial role in strengthening cooperation and supporting global adoption of sustainable transportation.

Featured Projects

Policies to Improve the Environmental Performance of Road Vehicles in the Western Balkans : Managing Road Vehicle Emissions and Embracing E-mobility

Trends in the Global Vehicle Fleet 2023: Managing the SUV Shift and the EV Transition

Presentation: Challenges and opportunities from biofuels as a way to diversify energy use and reduce GHG emissions in transport

Facilitating a Transition to Zero-emission Vehicles in the Global South

Low-Carbon Fuels for Aviation and Maritime Transport: Insights from Two Mirroring Workshops Held in the US and Europe

Assessment of the potential of sustainable fuels in transport

Decarbonising Transport : Scientific evidence and policy proposals

Eterc Mission Statement - ETERC is designed to be an objective provider of new and cutting-edge international research where advocates, industry, policymakers, and experts from both sides of the Atlantic can share lessons learned and work together towards a more sustainable transportation future.
ETERC Directors Pierpaolo Cazzola and Lew Fulton

Research Portfolio

  • Deep decarbonization of transportation through sustainable technology, cost management, implementation, strategy, and policy design.
  • Low- and zero-emission vehicles relying on electric, hydrogen, and low-carbon liquid or gas fuels.
  • Battery production, trade, and end-of-life analysis.
  • Supply chain analysis for critical materials supporting the production of low carbon vehicles, fuels, and components.
  • Low-carbon fuel production, distribution, end use, lifecycle, and cost analysis, especially for biofuels and e-fuels used in long-distance aviation and shipping.
  • Urban transportation innovations such as on-demand mobility, micro-mobility, car-sharing, ride-hailing services, and Mobility-as-a-Service.
  • Strategies to reduce motor vehicle use by expanding multimodality.
  • How automated vehicles may offer opportunities for sustainability and present management challenges.