TITLE:
Research on the Key Pathways for Constructing an Ecological Transportation System Based on Hydrogen Energy in Larger Cities
AUTHORS:
Zhonghua Yao, Bo Gao, Tianle Zhou, Kaifeng Gu
KEYWORDS:
Hydrogen Transportation, Green and Low-Carbon Transition, Ecological Transportation System, Hydrogen Refueling Infrastructure, Smart Transportation Management
JOURNAL NAME:
Low Carbon Economy,
Vol.16 No.3,
September
25,
2025
ABSTRACT: This study explores the key pathways for constructing an ecological transportation system based on hydrogen energy in larger cities, with Jiaxing City, Zhejiang Province, as a representative case. The research investigates the strategic role of hydrogen as a clean energy source in promoting green transformation within the transportation sector. A comprehensive review is conducted on Jiaxing’s innovative practices in the large-scale application of hydrogen-powered vehicles, construction of a “zero-carbon” transportation system, improvement of hydrogen energy-inclusive carbon benefit mechanisms, integration of diversified green travel modes, intelligent upgrading of slow transportation systems, and the development of smart transportation platforms. The study reveals the significant achievements of hydrogen-based transportation in reducing carbon emissions, enhancing transport efficiency, and optimizing travel structure. Moreover, this paper conducts an in-depth analysis of the core challenges currently facing the development of hydrogen transportation, including high costs, technological bottlenecks, weak hydrogen refueling infrastructure, insufficient policy incentives, imbalanced scenario adaptability, and data silos. Based on this analysis, five key pathways for building a hydrogen-based transportation ecosystem in larger cities are proposed: strengthening independent innovation in core technologies; improving the hydrogen infrastructure network; innovating policy incentives and carbon value systems; clarifying differentiated application scenarios; and promoting the construction of intelligent management platforms. The research concludes that the high-quality development of a hydrogen-based transportation system requires the synergistic advancement of technological innovation, institutional supply, scenario-oriented strategies, and digital empowerment to transition from pilot demonstrations to routine operations. This transformation will support the realization of a green, low-carbon, and intelligent transportation future in larger cities.