Electric Mobility as a Service (eMaaS)

Detailed overview of innovation with sample startups and prominent university research


What it is

Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) is a transportation model that provides users with access to a range of transportation options through a single platform or app. It aims to simplify travel planning, reduce the need for individual car ownership, and create a more sustainable and efficient transportation ecosystem.

Impact on climate action

Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) under Electric Mobility transforms transportation by offering seamless, eco-friendly options, reducing individual car ownership, and encouraging the use of electric vehicles (EVs). This integration fosters sustainability, diminishes carbon emissions, and promotes public transit, accelerating global efforts toward a greener future and bolstering climate action.

Underlying
Technology

  • Integrated Platforms: MaaS platforms integrate data from multiple transportation providers, including public transit agencies, ride-sharing companies, and bike-sharing services, into a unified system. This allows users to plan multi-modal journeys, book various modes of transport, and pay for their trips through a single interface.
  • Real-Time Data and Analytics: MaaS platforms leverage real-time data on traffic conditions, schedules, availability of vehicles, and other relevant information to provide personalized journey planning and optimized routing recommendations.
  • Dynamic Pricing: MaaS platforms can dynamically adjust prices based on demand, time of day, and other factors, encouraging users to shift their travel patterns to less congested or more sustainable options.
  • Payment Integration: MaaS platforms offer seamless payment integration, allowing users to pay for their trips with a single account or a variety of payment methods.
  • Account-Based Ticketing: MaaS enables account-based ticketing systems, eliminating the need for individual tickets or passes and providing a more flexible and convenient travel experience.
  • Data-Driven Insights: MaaS platforms collect vast amounts of data on user behavior, travel patterns, and transportation demand. This data can be used to improve service efficiency, optimize urban planning, and design more sustainable transportation systems.

TRL : 7-8 (Rapidly Moving Towards 9)


Prominent Innovation themes

  • Personalized Travel Planning: MaaS platforms are constantly evolving to personalize the travel experience, offering customized journey suggestions, integrated real-time information, and personalized trip preferences.
  • Integration with Smart Cities: MaaS platforms are being integrated with smart city infrastructure, including traffic management systems, charging networks, and parking facilities, to create a more connected and efficient urban mobility ecosystem.
  • Integration with Autonomous Vehicles: The integration of autonomous vehicles, both cars and buses, into MaaS platforms promises to further enhance efficiency, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.
  • Micro-Mobility Integration: MaaS platforms are incorporating micro-mobility options, such as electric scooters and bikes, to provide a range of sustainable transportation choices.
  • Travel Data Analytics: MaaS platforms are leveraging data analytics to understand user behavior, travel patterns, and demand fluctuations. This allows for more accurate forecasting, optimized resource allocation, and the design of more efficient transportation networks.

Other Innovation Subthemes

  • Integrated Mobility Platforms
  • Real-Time Travel Optimization
  • Dynamic Pricing Strategies
  • Seamless Payment Solutions
  • Account-Based Ticketing Systems
  • Data-Driven Mobility Insights
  • Personalized Journey Planning
  • Smart City Integration
  • Autonomous Vehicle Integration
  • Micro-Mobility Solutions
  • Travel Data Analytics
  • Multi-Modal Transportation Planning
  • Eco-Friendly Transport Options
  • User-Centric Mobility Experiences
  • On-Demand Transportation Services
  • Smart Routing Algorithms
  • Demand-Responsive Transport Systems
  • Mobility-as-a-Service Evolution

Related Innovations

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Sample Global Startups and Companies

  • Whim:
    • Technology Focus: Whim specializes in providing a comprehensive MaaS platform that integrates various modes of transportation, including public transit, ride-sharing, bike-sharing, and more, into a single app.
    • Uniqueness: Whim stands out for its user-centric approach, offering convenience and flexibility to users by allowing them to plan, book, and pay for multimodal journeys seamlessly through their platform.
    • End-User Segments: Their target segments typically include urban residents and commuters looking for convenient and cost-effective transportation options, as well as businesses interested in corporate mobility solutions for their employees.
  • MaaS Global:
    • Technology Focus: MaaS Global is a pioneer in the MaaS industry, known for its Whim app, which provides users with access to various transportation services through a subscription-based model.
    • Uniqueness: MaaS Global’s approach to MaaS emphasizes subscription-based mobility solutions, enabling users to access different modes of transportation seamlessly through a single subscription, eliminating the need for multiple tickets or apps.
    • End-User Segments: Similar to Whim, MaaS Global targets urban residents, commuters, and businesses seeking convenient and efficient transportation options tailored to their needs.
  • Moovit:
    • Technology Focus: Moovit is a leading provider of urban mobility solutions, offering a user-friendly app that provides real-time public transit information, trip planning, and multimodal navigation services.
    • Uniqueness: Moovit distinguishes itself through its focus on public transit and its commitment to providing accurate and up-to-date information to users, helping them navigate cities more efficiently.
    • End-User Segments: Moovit’s target segments include commuters, tourists, and anyone relying on public transit for their daily transportation needs. Their app is particularly popular among urban dwellers looking for reliable public transit information and navigation assistance.

Sample Research At Top-Tier Universities

  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT):
    • Technology Enhancements: MIT researchers are working on enhancing MaaS platforms by integrating electric mobility options such as electric vehicles (EVs) and e-scooters into existing transportation networks. They are developing advanced algorithms and data analytics tools to optimize routing, scheduling, and pricing for electric MaaS services.
    • Uniqueness of Research: MIT’s approach involves a holistic view of urban transportation systems, considering factors such as traffic congestion, air quality, and equity. They are exploring innovative solutions such as dynamic pricing and demand-responsive services to improve the accessibility and sustainability of electric mobility options.
    • End-use Applications: The research at MIT has implications for urban planners, policymakers, and transportation providers looking to transition to sustainable transportation systems. By promoting the adoption of electric MaaS solutions, cities can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, alleviate traffic congestion, and improve the quality of life for residents.
  • University of California, Berkeley:
    • Technology Enhancements: Researchers at UC Berkeley are focusing on developing integrated MaaS platforms that seamlessly integrate electric mobility services with public transit systems and shared mobility options. They are leveraging advances in mobile technology and cloud computing to provide users with real-time access to electric vehicles, e-bikes, and other sustainable transportation modes.
    • Uniqueness of Research: UC Berkeley’s research emphasizes user-centric design and community engagement in the development of electric MaaS solutions. They are conducting field studies and pilot projects to understand the needs and preferences of different user groups and tailor MaaS platforms accordingly.
    • End-use Applications: The research at UC Berkeley has applications for urban mobility providers, technology companies, and local governments seeking to promote sustainable transportation alternatives. By offering convenient and affordable electric MaaS options, cities can reduce car dependence, improve air quality, and enhance the overall urban experience.
  • University of Oxford:
    • Technology Enhancements: Researchers at the University of Oxford are exploring the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain technology to enhance the scalability and security of electric MaaS platforms. They are developing decentralized systems for managing electric vehicle charging infrastructure, payment transactions, and user data privacy.
    • Uniqueness of Research: Oxford’s research integrates insights from economics, sociology, and computer science to address the complex challenges of implementing electric MaaS systems. They are investigating innovative governance models and incentive mechanisms to encourage participation and collaboration among stakeholders.
    • End-use Applications: The research at the University of Oxford has implications for energy companies, mobility startups, and regulatory agencies involved in the deployment of electric MaaS solutions. By harnessing the power of AI and blockchain, cities can create more resilient and equitable transportation ecosystems while fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the electric mobility sector.

commercial_img Commercial Implementation

MaaS is already being implemented in various cities and regions around the world. Many cities are piloting MaaS programs, and some have fully launched comprehensive MaaS platforms. Whim is operational in several European cities, and MaaS Global is expanding its services to new markets.



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