Abstract
Transport is vital to the social economy and it is closely related to its development. This is even more true of road freight and passenger transport using commercial vehicles and buses. Economic growth in Europe in the next decade will lead to a growth of road transport, despite some attempts to change the model split between road and rail. Aims to develop remote areas of Europe will also be achieved by a corresponding development of road transport. The truck is a primary means of satisfying the growing demand for transporting goods and it is therefore necessary to follow profound technological evolution in terms of improved efficiency and reduced pollution to meet the requirements of urban and long distance goods transports. This paper sets out the main alternatives in terms of fuel, energy storage, drivelines and traditional engine perspectives.