Future E-Mobility: Advancing Toward More Efficient and Sustainable Transportation

Highlighting some key outcomes from the IEEE PELS Future of Electronic Power Processing and Conversion (FEPPCON XII) 2024 conference, this article summarizes the transformative role of power electronics in advancing sustainable e-mobility, focusing on innovations such as cryogenic power systems and hybrid energy storage solutions. Recent efforts in cryogenic powertrain demonstrators were presented, which achieved significant reductions in semiconductor and conduction losses through liquid hydrogen and superconducting technologies. The discussion extends to hybrid energy storage systems combining batteries and supercapacitors, addressing challenges in electric vehicles, such as power density and cycle life. Technical hurdles, including material behavior at cryogenic temperatures and the need for advanced power converters, are outlined alongside policy and economic barriers. Future initiatives provided at the end address the importance of multidisciplinary research, regulatory alignment, and continued innovation to realize efficient, scalable electrified transportation across aviation, maritime, and terrestrial sectors.