Energy supply security and global warming continue to challenge all countries around the world in terms of global economy and planet environment. Renewable energy technologies are being explored to meet the challenges of energy security and climate change, as well as to boost regional economic development. In this review, we will focus on ‘green innovation’ in transport.

The transport sector represents a critical percentage of greenhouse gas emission. Transport emissions are estimated to increase by 84% to 2030. Key technologies such as hydrogen fuel cells, electric cars and biofuels are expected to contribute to emission reduction in the long run. Biofuels have been increasingly explored as a possible alternative source to gasoline with respect mainly to transport. The perspectives on biofuels are reviewed in our previous review. Recently, hydrogen, electric and hybrid cars have been developed and demonstrated in global automotive exhibitions. Key interests have been attracted to discuss future trends in green vehicles. Major car manufacturers seek leadership in future green vehicle markets. ‘Green vehicles’, as will be shown, directly use renewable energy sources