Assessing the Socioeconomic Impacts of an Inductive Electric Road System (ERS) for Decarbonizing Freight Transport: A Case Study for the TEN-T Corridor AP-7 in Spain

Rubén Flores-Gandur, José Manuel Vassallo and Natalia Sobrino ()
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Rubén Flores-Gandur: Transport Research Centre, TRANSyT, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
José Manuel Vassallo: Transport Research Centre, TRANSyT, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
Natalia Sobrino: Transport Research Centre, TRANSyT, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 5, 1-25

Abstract: Electric Road Systems (ERS) are emerging technologies that enable electricity transfer to electric vehicles in motion. However, their implementation presents challenges due to high energy demands and infrastructure requirements. This technology offers a significant opportunity for decarbonizing road freight transport, one of the most carbon-intensive sectors, contributing to the European Union’s climate goals. This study hypothesizes that implementing an inductive ERS for freight transport along the AP-7 corridor in Spain will generate environmental benefits—primarily through greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions—that outweigh the associated socioeconomic costs, making it a viable decarbonization strategy. To test this hypothesis, an impact assessment framework based on Cost–Benefit Analysis (CBA) is conducted, incorporating climate change and other environmental benefits. The framework is applied to a section of the Mediterranean Highway Corridor AP-7 in Spain. The results indicate that the most significant benefits are derived from positive environmental impacts and lower vehicle operation costs. Through a sensitivity analysis, our research identifies key variables affecting the system’s socioeconomic profitability, including payload capacity, volatility of energy prices and shadow prices of GHG emissions. The study provides insights for policymakers to optimize ERS deployment strategies, ensuring maximum social benefits while addressing economic and environmental challenges.

Keywords: electric road systems; cost–benefit analysis; freight transport; inductive technology; environmental impact assessment; sustainability (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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