Transforming mobility: pioneering sustainable transportation through energy transition and technological innovation

Purpose Mitigating carbon dioxide emissions (CO2e) constitutes a strategic imperative for advancing sustainable development, particularly within the energy sector, as it supports global efforts to curb climate change and strengthens the long-term resilience and integrity of ecological systems. The incessant growth of transport-related carbon emissions (TCO2e) draws the attention of environmentalists and policymakers toward sustainable transportation. This study aims to highlight the impact of energy transition, technological innovations, urbanization and economic growth on TCO2e for high-income countries (HICs). Design/methodology/approach The data set spanning 1990–2022 is used to estimate long-run effects using the second-generation panel approach and non-causality tests. Findings The empirical findings confirm the validation of the N-shaped EKC hypothesis. Moreover, the results show that renewable energy and technological innovations mitigate TCO2e, but urbanization increases environmental pollution. Originality/value This study contributes to the existing literature on TCO2e by exploring the specific factors that contribute to environmental sustainability in HICs. A body of existing studies has investigated the numerous factors responsible for sustainable transportation, for instance, urbanization, economic growth and renewable energy. Still, the significance of integrating technological innovations with current infrastructure in reducing TCO2e, especially in HICs, has been widely ignored by researchers.