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The ability of HTS cable networks to provide a solution for the high power density requirements of electric transportation applications was explored. The high current density and the temperature-dependent critical current features of HTS cables were shown to allow resilient designs for power distribution in electric transportation applications. Heat loads at the terminations are shown to be the primary challenge. Appropriate designs in terms of ampacities of the current leads are essential in using the beneficial features of HTS cables. Thermal network models were used to understand the implications of using HTS cables to carry the necessary additional current to mitigate contingencies and to aid in the designs of effective HTS cable networks for electric aircraft and ships.

With an increasing awareness of the detrimental effects of the fossil fuel?based transportation sector, which accounts for 14% of human-made greenhousegas emissions globally, individuals, companies, and government entities have made a concerted push to develop solutions to provide modes of transportation that are less carbon intensive. Importantly, several countries, including Norway, India, France, and Britain, have decided to end the sale of internal combustion engine cars in the near future, further accelerating the shift to electric transportation.

IN THIS YEAR'S TOP 10 TECH CARS, as in the global auto industry at large, the Great Disconnect becomes more obvious. On the one hand, virtually every carmaker offers models that deploy technology in unabashed pursuit of energy efficiency and reduced environmental impact. In our group of honorees this year, the Tesla Model 3 and the charming Kia Niro hybrid fit in this category. Yet for all the talk of a Tesladriven tipping point in electric transportation, EVs still make up a 0.5 percent drop in the global ocean of new cars. So in the real world-well, at least in the United States, where Washington is actually looking to weaken fuel economy standards and where a record two-thirds of buyers are choosing an SUV, pickup, or other light truck-today's automotive innovation is arguably more about utility, horsepower, and performance.

Electric transportation systems have increased in complexity in several ways. For example, electrical performance has increased from what was traditionally the core of the system, a rolling stock and traction supply circuit. Today, a plethora of devices are installed for signaling, communication, and control, requiring a proportionally larger number of interconnecting cables; the reliability and availability of the system has increased, as has user and stakeholder awareness; and system assurance and safety go through a complex and sophisticated process.

The articles in this special section focus on key issues related to the successful realization of research and development goals for future transportation electrification. This special section received a large number of submissions from across Asia/Pacific, Europe, Africa, South America, and North America.

Fred Stark Pearson, was a remarkable power engineer who, by the time he died at the age of 54, had engineered and built some of the world's great power, lighting, and traction companies. Large electric transportation systems and many of the power companies that he founded over a century ago are operating to this day. This article describes what he did and how he did it. These articles focus on major power-related projects completed after 1899, but there were many other projects that Pearson completed, either as chief electrical engineer or consultant. Pearson was a rare individual who combined engineering vision, a scientific mind, financial savvy, and the qualities needed to be a world-class builder.