---
title: "SPOD Connect"
description: "SPOD Connect (SUMMIT, 2021/22): Small electric pods join a driver-led train along a shared spine"
url: "https://www.sugar-network.org/en/projects/spod-connect-2021-22/"
lang: "en"
---

# SPOD Connect

**Small electric pods join a driver-led train along a shared spine**

_The future of sustainable urban mobility_

- **Corporate partner:** [SUMMIT](https://www.sugar-network.org/en/network/partners/summit/)
- **Cohort:** [2021/22](https://www.sugar-network.org/en/projects/cohort/2021-22/)
- **Theme:** [Mobility & travel](https://www.sugar-network.org/en/projects/themes/mobility-travel/)
- **Type:** Service concept
- **Projected:** 90 % less CO2 than a private diesel car
- **Universities:** [Trinity College Dublin](https://www.sugar-network.org/en/network/universities/tcd/), [University of São Paulo](https://www.sugar-network.org/en/network/universities/usp/)
- **Team:** 7 master students
- **Disciplines:** Architecture, Electrical Engineering, Electronic and Computer Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Mechanical Engineering

## Challenge

SUMMIT asked how future urban mobility can balance sustainability and convenience. 1.5 billion people still choose private cars for privacy, comfort, reliability and a sense of safety.

## What they built

SPOD combines car comfort with public-transport efficiency. Users plan a route in the app, scan a small electric SPOD at a hub and drive it to the nearest spine. There, a driver-operated train of SPODs carries them towards their destination.

## Results

- Projected: 90 % less CO2 than a private diesel car, including manufacturing, maintenance and charging.
- Projected: six SPODs fit in the road space of one car.

## Full project text

A new means of transportation that combines the comfort and convenience of private transportation, with the eco-friendliness and efficiency of a public transport system.

### Challenge

How might we balance the needs of sustainability and convenience in future urban mobility?

### Solution

Despite private cars emitting 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide each year there are still 1.5 billion car users worldwide. Why? Because, in terms of convenience, private cars are the most attractive option, providing users with privacy, comfort, reliability, and a sense of safety.

The SPOD is the future of sustainable urban transport. It provides a hybrid solution, bringing you the comfort and convenience of your car, with the eco-friendliness and efficiency of a public transport system.

### Impact

As SPOD Connect is a fully-electric transport system it has zero exhaust emissions. What’s more, even after considering the indirect emissions from manufacturing, maintenance, and the charging of SPODs, SPOD Connect produces 90% less CO2 emissions than a private diesel car.

As well as helping reduce transportation emissions, SPOD Connect contributes to more efficient use of road space. With 6 SPODs occupying the same space as one car, the SPOD Connect system will help ease congested roads and reduce traffic.

Finally, SPOD Connect provides commuters with a sustainable solution that doesn’t compromise the safety, comfort, and convenience of their cars.

## Who built it.

- Anneliese Walsh, Electronic and Computer Engineering (Trinity College Dublin)
- Beatriz Segatti, Environmental Engineering (University of São Paulo)
- Finan Levingston, M.Sc. Mechanical Engineering (Trinity College Dublin)
- Giselle Jensen, Architecture and Urbanism (University of São Paulo)
- Jules Olier, M.Sc. Mechanical Engineering (Trinity College Dublin)
- Rachel O' Grady, Electronic and Computer Engineering (Trinity College Dublin)
- Ross Sumie, Electrical Engineering (University of São Paulo)

## Video

- SPOD CONNECT | The Future Of Urban Mobility: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6cLxTZvN59M

## Sources

Summarised by the SUGAR editorial team from the team’s project page and SUGAR Expo booklet.

Figures marked “Projected” are the team’s own estimates, not measured results.

Open the 2021/22 booklet: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gaylrIaKwqlepYmZJTx7JXi7XBTw56Kd/view?usp=sharing