Electrification of Integrated Stereoscopic Transportation: A Perspective on the Electric Ride-Hailing, Transit, and Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing Market in Jiangsu Province

Abstract

The electrification of integrated stereoscopic transportation is a critical step toward achieving sustainable urban mobility and addressing the environmental challenges posed by traditional transportation modes. This study focuses on the case of Jiangsu Province, a leading region in China for electric transportation development, and examines the electrification trends in three key transportation sectors: electric public transit, ride-hailing services, and electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) systems. The objective of this study is to analyze the current state of these sectors, identify major challenges, and evaluate the effectiveness of existing policies in facilitating this transition. A mixed-methods approach was employed, including bibliometric analysis, keyword clustering, and a detailed review of government reports and academic literature. The findings highlight significant environmental, social, and economic benefits of transportation electrification, while also uncovering barriers such as infrastructure limitations, regulatory gaps, and public acceptance issues. Based on these insights, policy recommendations are proposed to address these challenges and accelerate the adoption of electric transportation systems, contributing to Jiangsu Province’s broader sustainable development goals.

1. Introduction

Sustainable urban mobility is a pressing global challenge, particularly in light of rising urbanization, environmental degradation, and the urgent need for decarbonization [1,2]. Electrification of transportation systems offers a transformative solution to these issues by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving air quality, and fostering sustainable urban development [3]. In recent years, the concept of integrated stereoscopic transportation, encompassing diverse transportation modes such as public transit, ride-hailing services, and electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) systems, has gained traction as an innovative approach to address the complexities of urban mobility.

Jiangsu Province, located in the Yangtze River Delta region, has emerged as a pioneer in transportation electrification. The province’s rapid economic development and dense urban population present both opportunities and challenges for implementing sustainable mobility solutions [4]. Previous studies have explored individual aspects of transportation electrification, such as electric public transit systems and ride-hailing services, but research integrating these modes within a unified framework remains limited. This study seeks to address this research gap by investigating the electrification trends in Jiangsu Province across three complementary transportation sectors: public transit, ride-hailing, and eVTOL. By analyzing the current state of these sectors, identifying key challenges, and evaluating the effectiveness of existing policies, this research aims to provide actionable insights and policy recommendations for the government (hereinafter, the term “government” specifically refers to the government of Jiangsu Province) to accelerate the adoption of electric transportation systems. Ultimately, this study contributes to the broader discourse on sustainable urban mobility and offers a replicable framework for other regions undergoing transportation electrification.

2. Methodology

2.1. Literature Collection

Web of Science (WOS), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and WanFang Data (WF) are high-quality databases encompassing a wide range of disciplines. They serve as excellent tools for bibliometric analysis, policy evaluation, and opinion-based research. This paper employs a keyword search approach to retrieve and collect literature from the WOS, CNKI, and WF databases.

The search strategy implemented is as follows: (TS = “Transportation” OR “Transport”) AND (TS = “Electrification” OR “Electric”) AND (TS = “Jiangsu” OR “Nanjing” OR “Wuxi” OR “Suzhou” OR “Xuzhou” OR “Changzhou” OR “Yancheng”). Notably, Nanjing, Wuxi, and Suzhou are major cities in Jiangsu Province. The time span for the search was set from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2024.

The retrieved data, including titles, abstracts, authors, and publication dates, were exported as a text file. Using Python_3.9 software, duplicate entries were eliminated, resulting in a total of 587 unique publications.

2.2. Literature Processing

The research process is illustrated in Figure 1. First, the downloaded text files in .txt format are imported into VOSviewer_1.6.20 software. This allows for the extraction of frequently occurring terms from the titles and abstracts to serve as keywords, while irrelevant words (e.g., “research”, “model”, etc.) are excluded. Second, a co-occurrence cluster analysis of keywords related to transportation electrification in Jiangsu Province from 2015 to 2024 is conducted to identify the focal areas of research. Third, the overall trends in transportation electrification in Jiangsu Province are analyzed to provide an objective assessment of the current status and development trajectory. Finally, a detailed review of 36 key publications and related government reports is performed to analyze existing policies, potential advantages, and challenges facing transportation electrification in the identified focal areas.

3. Analysis

3.1. Keyword Visualization and Analysis Based on VOSviewer

Cluster analysis of keywords can reveal the intrinsic connections between papers and changes in research trends. This study employs VOSviewer software to conduct a cluster analysis of keywords related to transportation electrification in Jiangsu Province. A total of 698 keywords that appeared more than ten times were clustered, and a trend analysis was performed to evaluate the temporal popularity of these keywords.

The clustering results are presented in Figure 2, while the research trends are illustrated in Figure 3. Figure 2 features three main areas represented in blue, red, and green. The blue area indicates the “electric transit” cluster, with keywords such as “emission”, “reduction”, and “fuel”. The red area represents the “ride-hailing” cluster, encompassing keywords like “ride-hailing platform”, “service”, and “passenger”. The green area denotes the “eVTOL” cluster, with keywords including “battery”, “urban air mobility”, and “landing”. Before 2018, research primarily focused on electric transit, particularly on topics related to energy conservation and emission reduction. From 2018 to 2020, there was an increase in studies concerning ride-hailing, as scholars began to examine the services provided by ride-hailing platforms. Starting in 2022, eVTOL emerged as a research hotspot, with scholars conducting a series of studies on eVTOL’s battery technology and optimization techniques.

3.2. Electrification Market in Jiangsu Province

3.2.1. Electric Transit

Since Jiangyin City launched the No. 1 electric bus route in 2012, Jiangsu Province has achieved remarkable results in the electrification of the bus grid [5]. From 2012 to 2015, the focus was on major cities such as Nanjing and Wuxi, but the total number of electric buses remained below 1000. Between 2015 and 2020, government initiatives boosted investment, and by the end of 2020, the penetration rate of electric buses exceeded 50% [6]. Following 2020, the province began phasing out fuel-powered buses in favor of electric alternatives. In 2021, Jiangsu added 3160 new buses, with electric buses accounting for 97.9% of this total, while fuel-powered buses represented only 2.1%. In 2022, the proportion of electric buses will exceed 70%, and among the 1598 new buses introduced, 90.1% were electric [7,8]. By March of 2024, this province had successfully summoned a grand total of 1.157 million kilometers of transit corridors, covering municipalities such as Nanjing, Changzhou, Huaian, Taizhou, and Liyang. By 2027, fuel-powered public transportation will be basically phased out, and the electrification transformation of urban transportation will be completed [9]. This shift marks a significant milestone in the province’s commitment to clean transport [10,11]. A clear example of the environmental benefits of electric buses is demonstrated by the initial deployment of 20 electric buses on Nanjing’s No. 19 route, which collectively reduced fuel consumption by 516,300 L over the course of one year. This reduction is equivalent to 642.93 tons of standard coal, translating to an average annual decrease of approximately 50 tons of carbon emissions per bus [12]. The province’s strong support for more environmentally friendly public transportation only adds to its progressive image when it comes to environmental conservation and public well-being.

3.2.2. Ride-Hailing

Ride-hailing services have become increasingly prevalent across Jiangsu Province. This area has experienced a swift escalation in the population of ride-hailing automobiles, which has significantly bolstered the existing transportation infrastructure. By April 2024, the total number of officially licensed ride-hailing vehicles in Jiangsu Province had surged to an approximate figure of 197,000 [11,13], with the proportion of electric vehicles (EV) increasing from 12% in 2016 to 87% in 2024 (Figure 4). Assuming an annual mileage of 120,000 km per vehicle, electric ride-hailing cars in Jiangsu Province can collectively reduce carbon emissions by 8,569,500 tons each year [14].

3.2.3. eVTOL Market

However, the eVTOL aircraft market in Jiangsu Province is still in its infancy. There seems to be an increasing degree of zeal and curiosity around the progress and implementation of these new air transports. In Jiangsu, the local authorities and enterprises have been tirelessly exploring the potential of eVTOL technology in various industries. Particularly interesting is the emphasis on utilizing these electrically powered, vertical-takeoff-and-landing machines for a variety of uses, including moving commodities, conducting surveillance operations, and improving emergency response capabilities. This rising interest denotes the province’s commitment to adopting state-of-the-art transportation solutions and seamlessly integrating them into the pre-existing data systems to enhance efficiencies and service delivery.

3.3. Potential Benefits of Electrification

3.3.1. Environmental Benefits

Electrifying different modes of transport, electric public transit systems, ride-hailing services, and eVTOL all have the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Electric-powered mobility can help the province meet its climate goals. For instance, the passenger transport sector in Jiangsu Province aims to reduce carbon emissions by 17.1% to 49.7% by 2030 compared to 2017 levels, with a potential reduction of 41.8% to 83.5% by 2060 [15,16]. This is a clear instance of how utilizing an electric vehicle on a transport system can reduce the negative impact on the environment.

The environmental benefits of both the health benefits of electric transportation, which by their nature, also reduce climate change, are even worse. When cities rely less on fossil fuels they have a smaller carbon footprint, which aids in the global effort to curb the negative impact of greenhouse gas emissions. Such a shift not only contributes to a healthier environment but also promotes a more resilient urban infrastructure that can respond to new challenges in the future.

3.3.2. Social Benefits

The shift toward electric modes of transportation has resulted in dramatic improvements in air quality, as electric vehicles emit far fewer pollutants than conventional gasoline or diesel vehicles. In addition to impacting the alveoli and bronchioles, this decrease in emissions directly and positively influences the respiratory health of city dwellers and creates fresh air that is more easily respirated. Additionally, the transition to electrification has also managed to reduce congestion in city centers for electric vehicles, with many of them benefiting from smoother traffic flow due to their usage incentive policies, like access to carpool lanes and toll waivers.

The results of cleaner air and less congested streets can then be combined to make for an overall improvement in the quality of life experienced by citizens living in a major city. People can spend more time outside, freer from the harmful effects of pollution, and can move more easily through their cities, lessening the tension created by traffic jams and long commutes. Moreover, these changes are also facilitating the promotion of sustainable urban development as cities become more livable and appealing to both residents and workers.

3.3.3. Economic Benefits

Furthermore, the transition to electric vehicles drives economic development as it generates jobs in manufacturing, maintenance, and technology related to electric mobility. This economic improvement combined with the enhanced quality of life and environmental benefits demonstrates the importance of continued investment and support for the electrification of transport modes as a strategy for sustainable urban development.

Electrification of transport modes has the potential to confer economic benefits, such as job creation in the EV sector, lower fuel costs, and greater efficiency in transportation networks [17,18,19].

3.4. Existing Policies and Their Effectiveness

3.4.1. Incentives for EV Adoption

Notably, Jiangsu Province has actively adopted a series of policies to promote electric vehicle acceptance. These measures include a variety of financial incentives including tax exemptions and reductions, direct financial subsidies to consumers and manufacturers, and the strategic creation of a full-fledged charging infrastructure. This includes putting charging stations in cities and the countryside so that electric vehicle owners have easy access to charging points.

These efforts are an essential part of the provincial government’s concerted efforts to promote the growth and development of the electric vehicle market in Jiangsu. The market has doubled in growth over the last few years, with a growing number of residents choosing electric vehicles as an eco-friendly, cost-efficient alternative to standard fossil fuel-based vehicles. The increasing sales figures and the increasing numbers of electric vehicles on the roads of Jiangsu Province are testament to the success of these policies [20,21,22].

3.4.2. Public Transit Investment

The provincial government has been diligently investing billions of dollars in financial resources to upgrade and build public transportation infrastructure. The wide-ranging project is part of a major effort to bolster existing transit systems. A major focus has been on expanding subway systems through the construction of new subway lines and the expansion of existing lines to cover a larger area.

This ambitious expansion plan aims to connect additional neighborhoods and shorten commute times for residents, making the subway system more accessible to a wider portion of the population. Besides the expansion of subway networks, the most important part of these investments is the electrification of bus fleets. This means phasing out traditional fuel-powered buses in favor of electric buses, which are not only better for the environment but also cheaper in the long run. Alongside procuring electric buses is the deployment of charging infrastructure at bus depots and on all routes. The transition to electric buses is a necessary step towards lowering the carbon emissions associated with public transport in our cities and moving toward a low-carbon urban future.

These investments, by design, result in measurable improvements in the availability and effectiveness of public transit infrastructure. The extended subway networks cover shorter distances and offer more direct paths, making it easier for commuters to arrive at their intended destinations on time. In fact, the electrification of bus fleets has resulted in smoother, quieter, and more environmentally friendly rides, making citizens more likely to choose public transportation rather than private transportation options. This has naturally led to a rise in the number of people using public transport, thereby also easing traffic and lowering air pollution levels in cities.

Additionally, modernizing public transit systems has improved operational efficiency. Real-time tracking, mobile ticketing, and other new and developing integrative technologies have made it easier for passengers to plan their journeys and for them to pay for fares easily. So, besides preventing fare evasion, this advancement has not only enhanced user-friendliness but has also empowered public transport authorities to derive routes and timetabling for better punctuality and dependability of buses and subway trains to become more efficient [23].

3.4.3. Ride-Hailing Regulations

Government regulations soon followed to ensure the ride-hailing market was safe, fair, and competitive. These regulations played a crucial role in the establishment of a stable competitive ride-hailing industry in Jiangsu Province [24].

In addition to these measures, the government has also implemented a series of initiatives to promote the sustainable development of the ride-hailing sector. For example, drivers have been offered subsidies to encourage them to drive with electric vehicles, to further mitigate the service’s environmental impact. Additionally, the government has made significant investments to build a strong technological infrastructure, enabling the efficient functioning of ride-hailing services, including the deployment of sophisticated algorithms for route optimization and demand forecasting.

In addition to promoting a transparent marketplace, the regulations also introduced stringent guidelines to guarantee that neither the service providers nor the drivers resort to predatory pricing practices. This has ensured fairness and equality across the industry for participants. Moreover, a complaints and dispute resolution mechanism has been set up to protect the rights of consumers between passengers, drivers, and service providers.

The ride-hailing industry has also been encouraged to work with local business and tourism sectors to implement integrated services to improve the overall travel experience for residents and visitors. The upsides of this are not only multiple income streams for ride-hailing companies but also more contributions to Jiangsu’s GDP.

3.4.4. eVTOL Development

The eVTOL industry is currently in its early stages. However, the province has already demonstrated a keen interest in the promotion, facilitation, and development of these types of aircraft. This is achieved in many ways, one of which is through the provision of funds reserved for the promotion of research and development (R&D). Additionally, the province is also proactive by identifying some regions as test flight zones, creating a safe controlled space for eVTOL experimentation and improving technology. Not only do these measures demonstrate the province’s commitment to cutting-edge transportation solutions, but the implementation of actions for these technology systems prepares the ground for future solutions, potentially revolutionizing urban mobility and logistics.

3.5. Challenges and Limitations

3.5.1. Common Challenges

(1)

Infrastructure Development

The integrated nature of electric public transportation systems, ride-hailing services, and eVTOL vehicles demands a holistic and robustly integrated charging infrastructure. This development is key to supporting the widespread adoption of these environmentally friendly transportation options. It also involves the modernization and upgrading of existing transport networks to support the new technologies and to guarantee efficient and dependable service delivery [25,26]. This integration can be a considerable hurdle to overcome in heavily populated urban environments with limited space as well as a need for an institutionalized or existing infrastructure unable to accommodate these new forms of transportation.

(2)

Regulatory Frameworks

The lack of standardized regulations for the smooth integration of diverse transport modes may adversely affect their successful implementation and feasible operation [27,28,29]. It is essential to shape explicit, consistent, and well-defined policies that both promote and ensure the collaboration and interoperability of these various transportation modalities. These policies should seek to establish a seamless framework where disparate systems can transition smoothly and interoperate with one another. This will entail addressing the existing technical, operational, and regulatory barriers to integration, potentially enabling future innovations in (urban) mobility and establishing a seamless and connected transportation system.

3.5.2. Unique Challenges

(1)

Public Transit Systems

The large-scale deployment of electric buses adds a load to the power grid and can lead to stress and stability issues in the power distribution network. As the number of electric buses increases, so does the need for electricity. Firstly, the large-scale charging demand from electric buses will place a huge load burden on the local grid, particularly during peak hours. In addition, this leads to the instability of the power grid and even the danger of power supply interruption [30]. Secondly, the power distribution structure in various cities and the amount of electricity supply capacity also affect the speed and scale of the popularization of electric buses. In some developing countries or regions where the power infrastructure is weaker, the large-scale promotion of electric buses may worsen existing power shortages [31]. Such limitations make it difficult to move electric buses.

Electric buses also have economic challenges with regard to their initial investment and operational costs. Electric buses are much more expensive to purchase than traditional fuel ones. In China, the price of electric buses is approximately two to three times that of fuel buses. For example, a 10 m fully electric bus costs around CNY 1,100,000, while a fuel bus of the same size is priced at only CNY 500,000 [32]. In addition, most of the operational costs of electric buses come from battery wear out since electricity is cheaper than fuel with current battery technology and prices [33]. There is also an added cost to maintaining and replacing batteries.

(2)

Ride-hailing Platforms

Despite the success of online ride-hailing, its range is limited. EV adoption in this area remains a potential track with the fast growth of ride-hailing platforms [34]. Long-distance dispatch for EVs requires coordination between platform profits, driver profits, and passenger demand. It also takes into account the state of charge, time to charge, and charge locations. The multiple constraints will complicate the dispatch model with increasing difficulty from model structure optimization and solution efficiency improvement perspectives. Moreover, uncertainties in the transportation system can create fluctuations in energy demand during trips [35]. The energy consumption for the same route and travel time can vary by up to 30% depending on driving habits [36]. These changes can lead to insufficient time for a vehicle to properly meet a scheduled charging demand, delaying subsequent orders and affecting the operational stability of a platform. Environment and driver tolerances are also often unpredictable, requiring strong dispatch plans. For example, stochastic programming can be used to account for standardized fluctuations in energy consumption, such as in ride-hailing dispatch optimization, but there are few studies that address this due to the high complexity and the difficulty of solving the mathematical models involved.

A second problem is that the adoption of autonomous vehicles is adding complexities to ride-hailing dispatch and driver decision-making that do not yet exist. However, differences in path selection, decision-making, and driving behavior between autonomous vehicles (AVs) and conventional vehicles (CVs) are well-recognized, especially since most prior research has focused on all AVs or all CVs [37,38,39]. First, the CV drivers are bounded rational individuals; they will choose dispatch plans that maximize their own profits. If they do not benefit from the dispatch, they may not follow the plan [40,41]. In contrast, AVs are directed by the platform. When they are maximizing order completions or platform profit, they carry out every command of the platform. For example, the ride-hailing platform and the drivers have heterogeneity in decision-making goals and response behaviors when AVs and CVs coexist, which makes it challenging to apply conventional optimization techniques such as linear programming. In addition, most studies assume travel demand to remain constant or follow probability functions calculated using historical data (they do not include dispatching methods for random travel demand). Finally, the scale of the state space and action space of complex transportation networks is enormous, leading to an “exponential disaster” problem when solving it according to traditional models, thus raising computational and time costs for the platform. Thus, we must develop alternative methods and approaches to model the complex interactions among the ride-hailing platform, the CV drivers, and the environment, while taking into account the stochastic nature of travel demand, which facilitates the effective scheduling of mixed fleets.

(3)

eVTOL

Public acceptance issues are impediments to the eVTOL industry. New transportation modalities, e.g., eVTOL vehicles, may encounter general resistance to their introduction and implementation. This resistance stems from several fears: fear about the safety of these new machines, fear about the privacy that could come with the use of these machines, and fear about the newness of the technology. Thus, in order to combat these hesitations and create acceptance, it is vital to initiate wide public awareness campaigns. These initiatives need to inform the public of the advantages, safety precautions, and operational standards related to eVTOLs. Moreover, one can create forums for discussions with relevant stakeholders about changing the method of teaching specific courses to cater to the needs of all types of students. It is also essential that there are opportunities for community engagement, so stakeholders understand transit needs and goals, and the extra taxpayer dollars feel well spent. These community-focused approaches are two ways to overcome public resistance to transportation technologies and enable a smoother transition to new transportation technologies [42,43].

4. Suggestions

4.1. Develop a Comprehensive Electrification Strategy

Jiangsu Province should adopt a multimodal approach to strategic plans focusing on the electrification of public transportation fleets, ride-hailing services, and eVTOL [44,45,46]. This strategic plan should clearly define specific and measurable goals, set realistic deadlines, and assign responsibilities for all modes of transport. For example, the province could aim to achieve a 90% electrification rate in urban public transit by 2030, with periodic evaluations every two years to assess progress. To ensure effective implementation, collaboration between government agencies, private enterprises, and research institutions should be prioritized. For instance, public–private partnerships (PPPs) can be leveraged to accelerate infrastructure development, such as building charging stations and eVTOL landing zones.

In addition, we recommend that Jiangsu Province integrate these three modes of transport and promote collaborative development to improve transportation efficiency. For example, Uber’s concept of combining eVTOL services with ride-hailing platforms and public transit could significantly reduce travel times and emissions (Figure 5). This model emphasizes door-to-door connectivity, where passengers use ride-hailing services or public transit to reach eVTOL hubs, followed by efficient eVTOL transportation to their destinations [47]. The introduction of this concept will strengthen the practical application of transportation electrification in Jiangsu Province.

Furthermore, the strategic plan should include a phased implementation roadmap. For instance, the first phase could focus on urban centers like Nanjing and Suzhou, where infrastructure and demand are relatively mature, before expanding to smaller cities and rural areas. Policy incentives, such as tax benefits for EV manufacturers and subsidies for eVTOL operators, should also be integrated into the plan to ensure market participation and adoption.

4.2. Harmonize Regulations

A unified regulatory framework is essential to support the seamless integration of various electrified transportation modes. Jiangsu Province should establish standardized communication and safety protocols across all systems to ensure interoperability. For example, a unified data-sharing platform could be developed to enable ride-hailing operators, public transit authorities, and eVTOL service providers to coordinate schedules and optimize route planning.

In terms of safety, the province should adopt stringent standards for vehicle maintenance, operational reliability, and passenger security. These standards should be enforced through regular inspections and certification processes. For eVTOL, the legislative body of Jiangsu Province should fully exercise its legislative power to formulate specific air traffic regulations that align with the province’s actual conditions and designate flight corridors to ensure safe operations in urban areas.

Moreover, Jiangsu should actively encourage innovation by creating a supportive regulatory environment. This could include pilot programs for testing new technologies, as well as financial support for R&D initiatives in battery technology, autonomous driving, and eVTOL systems. By fostering collaboration between the government and private sector, Jiangsu can position itself as a leader in transportation innovation.

4.3. Invest in Infrastructure Development

Robust infrastructure is the backbone of an electrified transportation ecosystem. Jiangsu Province should prioritize investments in charging stations, battery-swapping facilities, and eVTOL landing pads. The electrification of public transit systems also requires substantial infrastructure upgrades. This includes retrofitting bus depots with charging equipment and developing smart grid systems to manage energy demand efficiently. In addition, eVTOL infrastructure, such as vertiports equipped with charging facilities and passenger terminals, should be integrated into urban planning.

To ensure cost-effectiveness, the government should explore innovative financing models, such as green bonds and PPPs. These models can attract private investment while reducing the financial burden on public funds. Furthermore, Jiangsu should establish a monitoring system to track the utilization and performance of newly built infrastructure, enabling continuous improvement and adaptation to emerging needs.

4.4. Promote Public Awareness and Acceptance

Public awareness and acceptance are critical to the success of transportation electrification. Jiangsu Province should launch comprehensive awareness campaigns to educate citizens about the benefits of electrified transportation, including its environmental, economic, and social advantages. These campaigns could leverage social media, traditional media, and community events to reach a wide audience. For example, live demonstrations of eVTOL technology could be organized in major cities, allowing citizens to experience these innovations firsthand. Additionally, workshops and seminars could be held to provide detailed information about the safety features and operational standards of eVTOL, addressing public concerns about new transportation technologies.

Engaging local communities is also essential. Town hall meetings, focus group discussions, and Q&A sessions can provide platforms for citizens to voice their opinions and gain clarity on the government’s plans. Collaborating with local leaders and influencers can further enhance the credibility and reach of these campaigns. By fostering trust and understanding, Jiangsu can ensure broad public support for its electrification initiatives.

5. Conclusions

This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the electrification of integrated stereoscopic transportation systems in Jiangsu Province, focusing on electric public transit, ride-hailing, and eVTOL markets. The research addresses critical questions, including the current state of each transportation mode, the potential environmental, social, and economic benefits of electrification, and the challenges that need to be overcome. Through this analysis, the study also formulates strategic policy recommendations aimed at fostering a sustainable and integrated transportation system.

The findings demonstrate that electrification offers significant opportunities for Jiangsu Province to enhance transportation efficiency, reduce environmental impacts, and improve public accessibility. For instance, the electrification of public transit systems has already contributed to measurable reductions in carbon emissions, while the rapid adoption of electric vehicles in ride-hailing services is transforming urban mobility. Although the eVTOL market remains in its early stages, its potential for revolutionizing logistics and urban air mobility is promising.

However, the successful realization of these benefits depends on addressing several challenges. Infrastructure development, such as charging stations and grid upgrades, must be accelerated to support widespread electrification. Regulatory frameworks need to be harmonized to ensure interoperability and safety across transportation modes. Additionally, public acceptance is crucial for the adoption of new technologies like eVTOL, requiring targeted awareness campaigns and community engagement.

To address these challenges, Jiangsu Province must adopt a strategic, multimodal approach to transportation electrification. This involves investing in infrastructure, developing robust regulatory frameworks, and promoting public awareness. Furthermore, strengthening collaboration between government, industry, and academia will be critical in driving innovation and ensuring the successful implementation of electrification policies.

By following these recommendations, Jiangsu Province can position itself as a leader in transportation innovation, contributing significantly to its sustainable development goals. This proactive approach will not only improve the effectiveness of the province’s transportation systems but also enhance the quality of life for its residents, creating a greener, more equitable urban environment for the future.