Implementing Shared Electric Mobility into Energy Communities

Mobility, predominantly reliant on fossil fuels, represents a significant portion of energy consumption. During the energy transition, it’s essential to change high-consuming energy services to more sustainable options. Launching collectively owned energy services is the way to decrease the environmental impact. Energy communities that leverage shared electric vehicles (EVs) can significantly reduce their environmental footprint while enhancing mobility options. To promote decarbonized mobility improving public transportation, developing a public charging network and cycling roads should be prioritized. The key to a more sustainable mobility model is implementing shared electric mobility services.

Implementation of Shared electric mobility

The key element is knowing the environment and the neighborhood where you want to implement these shared electric mobility services. The goal is to adapt to a lifestyle with the least possible impact.

The “15-minute cities”

This is an urban model that is based on the time it takes residents to access essential services—housing, work, supplies, healthcare, culture, and sports—within a 15-minute walk. This model shifts the focus from using your vehicles to pedestrians and cyclists, promoting safer, healthier municipalities and dynamic local economies. The main objective of this model is to reduce using private vehicles to reduce the environmental impact.

Sustainable mobility in towns

The challenge is more complex when it comes to towns and rural areas, using shared electric vehicles solves only part of the problem, the development of the infrastructure is necessary in these areas to provide a solution. This development includes increasing bus service frequency, diversifying routes, implementing on-demand bus services, encouraging carpooling, and deploying safe cycle paths connecting municipalities.

Requirements for parking

When launching new shared electric vehicle services it’s essential to pay attention to the specific requirements. These include managing the vehicles via a mobile app, 3G, 4G, or 5G coverage in parking areas, and fixed parking space for each vehicle with an exclusive charging point. The vehicles must be returned to their dedicated spots for recharging after use. Additionally, users need 24-hour access to these parking spaces, which can be facilitated through various means such as parking keys, control systems, or apps. Besides the necessary requirements, it’s recommended to place these parking spaces in visible areas, add child seats to the vehicles, and provide safe parking places for bicycles.

The keys to successful implementation

In to successfully implement these services it’s essential to build its own governance structure that should regulate decision-making processes, rates, and the access of the services. You can choose from two governance options, standard service (operated by the service provided by using standard conditions) and customized service (the members set conditions for their own use).

Uses and possible services of shared electric vehicles

Based on the needs and potential users you can optimize the usage of the shared vehicles. The needs of the community can vary based on the number of members, the daily habits, and the context of the neighborhood.

Sporadic Use: For individuals or organizations needing vehicles occasionally, renting by the hour or day.

Regular Use: For those with fixed mobility needs, reserving vehicles for specific days or times.

Long-Term Use: For periods ranging from a few days to two years, accommodating extended needs like vacations or project-based work.

Service cost

These services are made for the members of the Energy Community and can depend on various factors. When the community wants to provide an electric vehicle to its members there are two options to consider: collectively purchasing a vehicle or using an electric vehicle provided by a member. The cost largely depends on which option will the community choose, but also depends on factors such as brand, model, and total km.