Means of Transport

Through our user-centred research, we identify pathways towards a needs-based and resilient design of sustainable transport systems. To this end, we research and analyse the needs of society (societal readiness) and individuals, anticipate demographic change, and develop and test new, inclusive solutions together with our partners.

A key focus is on automated and connected transport as a building block in a modern, resilient and environmentally friendly transport system. We provide precise insights into the societal readiness for automated transport and derive well-founded forecasts for the future based on empirical data and transport models. In doing so, we assess planned concepts of operation for automated driving and identify new and value-adding use cases.

Alongside automation, decarbonisation and the transition to new propulsion technologies are key components of the transport system’s transformation. Through our research into alternative propulsion systems and renewable fuels, we are helping to make the transport sector less reliant on fossil fuels. We combine model-based scenario analyses of the market ramp-up of new propulsion technologies with empirical surveys that capture both user requirements and behaviour, as well as communication needs and strategies, in order to strengthen societal acceptance of suitable technologies.

At the same time, we carry out comprehensive analyses of infrastructure requirements, particularly with regard to charging infrastructure and its integration into the sector coupling of energy and transport (bidirectional charging).