The growth of internal combustion engines (ICEs) in the 20th century had a profound impact on transportation and industrialization. ICEs powered by petrol and diesel enabled increased mobility and industrial expansion. Technological advancements improved engine performance and efficiency. However, current concerns over pollution and emissions have led to stricter regulations and the exploration of alternative technologies to ultimately assist in decarbonizing the road transport sector.

The transport sector accounts for around 20 percent of global carbon dioxide emissions, and road vehicles contribute to around 75 percent of emissions within transport, with the largest contributors being light vehicles (circa 45 percent) and freight trucks (circa 29 percent), according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). This represents an enormous opportunity for decarbonization, and the road transport sector has greater potential for early decarbonization compared with air or maritime