Author(s)

E. Gould, W. Wehrmeyer, M. Leach

Abstract

The concept of mobility is developing in to a complete solution composed of various modes of transport and alternative ownership models. Evidence suggests that Mobility-as-a-Service will become integral to society, incorporating mobile apps for payment and location-aided services, thus ensuring ease of use and functionality [1]. This is a considerable opportunity to decarbonise transport within cities, reducing the need for private car ownership and utilising electric vehicles within the mobility model. There is however uncertainty of what and how this should be implemented and therefore requires further research within the transitions field.

This research will investigate city mobility services, specifically e-mobility. This will be considered in the context of product-service systems to explore the existing market and identify transition pathways. Use-oriented services are the primary focus as the business models are most explicitly linked to car sharing, renting and pooling.

The level of uptake of e-mobility services is reliant upon the interest and acceptance of society and the mechanisms put in place by Government and private enterprise. An expected outcome of this research is a requirement for greater collaboration between Government and private enterprise, in order to initially fund city schemes but also ensure they are viable in the long term. It can be expected that data must be shared to a greater extent between the public and private sector and that this is accessible to citizens. Both of these factors will affect people’s choice of transport mode through availability of vehicles and real time information on travel options.

Keywords

electric vehicles, urban, e-mobility, mobility-as-a-service, product service systems, use-oriented