The international scientific conference Transport and Air Pollution (TAP) was first held in 1986 in Graz, Austria. It was initiated by scientific institutions from Austria, Switzerland, France, the United States, and Greece. Over the years, it has grown into one of the most important events for experts in the fields of transport, air quality, and emissions. TAP has long provided a platform for cooperation between researchers, industry representatives, and policymakers seeking pathways towards sustainable mobility.
The most recent, twenty-sixth edition of the conference took place in November 2025 in Rueil-Malmaison near Paris, under the auspices of the IFP Energies Nouvelles research institute. This year’s scientific programme expanded to include topics related not only to the effects of transport on air quality but also on soil, water resources, and noise pollution. The discussions focused on linking scientific knowledge with practical solutions to support the transition towards cleaner transport.
We used the conference to present the initial findings of our EVSTATION project, which focuses in detail on electric vehicle statistics and the progress of road transport electrification in Slovakia. We unveiled a series of comprehensive indices that measure the development of e-mobility across the regions. These indices are based not only on the number of charging points but also factor in the size and economic strength of the individual regions, thereby providing a relevant picture of the current state of electrification within Slovak road transport. Our findings were presented in the form of a poster accompanied by a short presentation and discussion (as part of the EUROSTAT Grant project).
We also gained valuable insights into the latest trends in measuring and modelling transport emissions, research on eco-driving systems, and examples of best practices from various European countries. However, it remains evident that most research activity in this area continues to be concentrated in Western and Northern Europe, where environmental policies are implemented more rigorously than in Slovakia or the broader Central European region.
Looking ahead, it will be essential to strengthen collaboration among scientific institutions in Slovakia and to raise public awareness to create the necessary pressure for political decisions that support sustainable and intelligent transport.