Abstract
Improvements in battery technology have resulted in small and light electric vehicles (LEVs) appearing on the market in Europe since 2011—however, their market share is still comparatively low. Low energy requirements and small size can potentially contribute to sustainable mobility in terms of climate protection and reduced local emissions. Our study evaluates how three-wheeled and four-wheeled vehicles, categorised as L-Class according to Regulation (EU) No 168/2013, can contribute to more efficient use of space in urban areas. Evaluations of expert interviews, an extensive literature research, and analyses of the German national household travel survey (MiD) serve as the basis of the study. First, the substitution potential of trips through LEVs is explored using MiD data. Our findings show that between 17% and 49% of trips made and 6% to 30% of the distance covered by private trips can theoretically be substituted by LEVs. Thus, reorganisation of current land use offers potential and additionally, LEVs are an attractive and sustainable addition to other means of transport and contribute to achieving the climate protection goals of the transport sector. Due to the fact that technology application is restricted by travel behaviour and political support, our study discusses possible support by public bodies towards sustainable mobility. Here, the promotion of LEVs in combination with restrictive measures for cars is necessary.
Highlights
Cities today face problems resulting from increased mobility needs, which are often still tied to private car ownership and auto-centric transport infrastructures that have grown historically
light electric vehicles (LEVs) can be deployed in various applications
Like most bike sharing concepts, parking spaces can be set up in the vicinity of public transport stops to ensure seamless mobility when switching from an LEV to public transport
Summary
Cities today face problems resulting from increased mobility needs, which are often still tied to private car ownership and auto-centric transport infrastructures that have grown historically. This situation is compounded by urbanisation and population growth in many cities. Transport is accountable for a high proportion (25% in EU-28 2017 (including international aviation)) of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions [3,4], 72% of which is due to road transport [5]. The European Commission estimates urban mobility to be responsible for 40% of all European road transport CO2 emissions, which shows the importance of sustainable urban transport for climate protection [6]. In view of the Paris Climate Agreement 2015 to limit global warming to 1.5 ◦C, a significant transformation of the transport sector is required
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