Shared Mobility and Electric Fleets

Detailed overview of innovation with sample startups and prominent university research


What it is

Shared mobility and electric fleets refer to the use of shared vehicles, primarily electric, within a transportation network. These vehicles are operated by companies or services that provide access to users on a pay-per-use basis, rather than requiring individual ownership.

Impact on climate action

Shared Mobility and Electric Fleets revolutionize transportation, reducing carbon emissions by promoting shared electric vehicle usage. By optimizing fleet management and encouraging communal transport, it minimizes individual car ownership, congestion, and pollution. This innovation accelerates the transition to a sustainable, low-carbon future, significantly impacting climate action positively.

Underlying
Technology

  • Digital Platforms: Shared mobility and electric fleets rely on digital platforms for vehicle booking, payment processing, routing, and vehicle tracking. These platforms enable a seamless user experience and provide valuable data for optimizing operations.
  • Electric Vehicles: The use of electric vehicles (EVs) is a core element of shared mobility and electric fleets. EVs offer zero tailpipe emissions, reducing pollution and contributing to a cleaner environment.
  • Battery Swapping or Charging Infrastructure: Shared mobility and electric fleet operators need to invest in robust charging infrastructure or battery swapping solutions to ensure efficient vehicle operation.
  • Vehicle Management Systems: Sophisticated vehicle management systems are employed to monitor vehicle location, battery status, maintenance requirements, and optimize fleet utilization.
  • Data Analytics: Data gathered from platform usage, vehicle performance, and user behavior can be analyzed to enhance service efficiency, optimize routes, and improve user experience.

TRL : 8-9


Prominent Innovation themes

  • Micro-Mobility Services: Electric scooters, bikes, and other micro-mobility vehicles are becoming increasingly popular as a flexible and eco-friendly mode of transportation.
  • Autonomous Shared Vehicles: Integrating autonomous driving technology with shared mobility services can further optimize efficiency and create new possibilities for transportation.
  • Electric Vehicle Fleet Management Software: Advanced software solutions are being developed to optimize fleet operations, manage charging schedules, track vehicle maintenance, and reduce operating costs for electric fleets.
  • Integration with Public Transportation: Shared mobility services can be integrated with public transportation systems, creating a more comprehensive and efficient transportation network.

Other Innovation Subthemes

  • Digital Platform Integration
  • Electric Vehicle Adoption
  • Charging Infrastructure Solutions
  • Vehicle Management Technologies
  • Data-Driven Optimization
  • Micro-Mobility Solutions
  • Autonomous Transportation Integration
  • Fleet Management Software Development
  • Public Transportation Synergy
  • Global Shared Mobility Leaders
  • Sustainable Scooter Services
  • Eco-Friendly Transportation Options
  • Electric Car-Sharing Evolution
  • Urban Transportation Research
  • Economic Viability Studies
  • Autonomous Vehicle Integration
  • Smart City Mobility Solutions
  • Electric Fleet Expansion Strategies
  • Citywide Shared Mobility Initiatives
  • Automaker Partnership Programs

Related Innovations

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Sample Global Startups and Companies

  1. Lime:
    • Technology Enhancements: Lime is a micro-mobility company that offers electric scooters, bikes, and mopeds for short-distance urban travel. They have developed an app-based platform that allows users to locate, unlock, and rent vehicles conveniently.
    • Uniqueness: Lime’s uniqueness lies in its focus on electric micro-mobility solutions, providing an eco-friendly alternative to traditional transportation methods. Their fleet consists entirely of electric vehicles, reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable urban mobility.
    • End-User Segments: Lime primarily targets urban commuters and travelers looking for convenient, affordable, and environmentally friendly transportation options. Their services cater to individuals, as well as businesses and municipalities seeking to promote sustainable mobility solutions.
  2. Bird:
    • Technology Enhancements: Bird is another prominent player in the electric scooter-sharing market, offering a similar service to Lime. Their platform allows users to locate and unlock electric scooters through a smartphone app, enabling convenient and efficient short-distance travel.
    • Uniqueness: Bird distinguishes itself through its focus on electric scooters as the primary mode of shared transportation. They have invested in developing robust hardware and software solutions to enhance rider experience, safety, and fleet management.
    • End-User Segments: Like Lime, Bird targets urban commuters and travelers seeking convenient and eco-friendly transportation options. Their services are particularly popular in densely populated cities and tourist destinations where short-distance travel is common.
  3. Zipcar:
    • Technology Enhancements: Zipcar is a car-sharing company that allows users to rent vehicles by the hour or day through a mobile app or website. They offer a diverse fleet of vehicles, including electric and hybrid cars, providing flexibility and convenience to users.
    • Uniqueness: Zipcar’s uniqueness lies in its focus on car-sharing as a flexible alternative to car ownership. Their technology enables seamless booking, unlocking, and returning of vehicles, reducing the hassle and cost associated with traditional car ownership.
    • End-User Segments: Zipcar caters to a broad range of users, including urban residents, college students, businesses, and travelers, who prefer on-demand access to vehicles without the responsibilities of ownership. Their services are particularly popular in urban areas with limited parking and high transportation costs.

Sample Research At Top-Tier Universities

  1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT):
    • Technology Enhancements: MIT researchers are pioneering advancements in shared mobility platforms and electric fleet management systems. They are integrating cutting-edge technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and blockchain to optimize the utilization, charging, and maintenance of electric vehicles (EVs) in shared mobility services.
    • Uniqueness of Research: MIT’s approach involves developing algorithms and optimization models that consider factors like user demand patterns, vehicle availability, and charging infrastructure to maximize the efficiency and sustainability of electric mobility services. Their research also addresses challenges such as range anxiety, vehicle routing, and battery degradation in shared electric fleets.
    • End-use Applications: The research at MIT has practical implications for urban transportation, ride-sharing companies, and municipal governments. By leveraging shared electric mobility solutions, cities can reduce traffic congestion, air pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions while providing convenient and affordable transportation options for residents.
  2. Stanford University:
    • Technology Enhancements: Stanford researchers are focusing on the integration of renewable energy sources, energy storage systems, and smart grid technologies into electric mobility infrastructure. They are developing innovative charging solutions, vehicle-to-grid (V2G) communication protocols, and dynamic pricing mechanisms to support the widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in shared mobility services.
    • Uniqueness of Research: Stanford’s approach involves a multidisciplinary collaboration between engineers, economists, and policymakers to design sustainable and resilient electric mobility ecosystems. Their research explores novel business models, regulatory frameworks, and incentive mechanisms to incentivize the deployment of shared electric fleets and promote energy efficiency.
    • End-use Applications: The research at Stanford has implications for utilities, transportation providers, and urban planners. By integrating electric mobility with renewable energy generation and grid management systems, cities can achieve their sustainability goals, enhance energy security, and create new opportunities for economic growth.
  3. University of California, Berkeley:
    • Technology Enhancements: Researchers at UC Berkeley are focusing on the development of intelligent transportation systems and mobility-as-a-service (MaaS) platforms that integrate electric vehicles (EVs) into shared mobility networks. They are leveraging big data analytics, cloud computing, and wireless communication technologies to optimize the operation and deployment of electric fleets in urban environments.
    • Uniqueness of Research: UC Berkeley’s approach emphasizes the social, economic, and environmental benefits of shared electric mobility services. Their research explores the potential of EVs to reduce transportation costs, improve air quality, and enhance accessibility for underserved communities. They also investigate the role of policy incentives and public-private partnerships in scaling up shared electric mobility solutions.
    • End-use Applications: The research at UC Berkeley has implications for transportation agencies, mobility service providers, and advocacy groups. By promoting shared electric mobility, cities can enhance mobility equity, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and create more livable and sustainable urban environments for all residents.

commercial_img Commercial Implementation

Shared mobility and electric fleets are being implemented on a large scale globally. Ride-sharing companies like Uber and Lyft are expanding their electric vehicle fleets. Cities are increasingly implementing programs to encourage shared mobility and the adoption of electric vehicles. Several major automakers, including Tesla, Volkswagen, and Nissan, are partnering with shared mobility companies to integrate their vehicles into these networks.



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