Challenge / Goal
The ELVITEN project aimed at encouraging sustainable smart mobility through the market uptake of ELVs (Light Electric Vehicles) and sensitizing users to make them familiar with such vehicles. Three main challenges were dealt with:
- Users’ low awareness about the EL-Vs performance and functionalities has been acknowledged as one reason hindering the EL-Vs market penetration and it is partially due to the limited direct experience of such vehicles.
- Consumers’ Concerns about the relatively high cost of such vehicles and the feeling of uncertainty as regards the possible need to re-charge the vehicle during the trip (range anxiety).
- Lack of consistent knowledge and information needed by planning authorities to prepare an adequate traffic and charging infrastructure for EL-Vs and therefore to achieve their integration in the transport and electricity networks. For example, little is known about how such vehicles are used and how much basic infrastructure is required in terms of parking spaces and type and location of charging facilities. This lack of knowledge leads to Inadequate Mobility Planning for EL-Vs.
Solution
ELVITEN demonstrated how electric light vehicles (EL-Vs) can be used in urban areas and be integrated into the existing transport network of six European cities. Our consortium of 21 partners from European countries proposed replicable usage schemes for EL-Vs such as electric bicycles, tricycles, scooters, and quads.
Each demonstration city differed in specific features (existing EL-V fleets, infrastructure, mobility problems, policies) but they all aimed to integrate existing EL-Vs fleets and charging infrastructure. In Rome, the project also aimed to achieve a mind-shift among users by providing them with a better EL-V experience.
The project was developed upon the following axes:
- Safety and sanitation: It should be highlighted during the awareness campaigns that the light electric vehicles are open, transfer only one passenger, and can be easily cleaned, contributing to social distancing.
- Strategy: It is suggested to offer a monthly subscription for EL-Vs’ use instead of offers for short-term use of the vehicles, to keep a low cost per drive for the new users.
- Integration: The integration of technological innovations and tools (platforms, vehicles’ sharing services, etc.) for the development of sustainable mobility for all, should be pursued.
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Log inTime period
Planning time
1 to 2 years
Implementation time
1 to 2 years
Implementers
ELVITEN Project's partners
Service providers
Municipality IX EUR
End users
Citizens and e-bike users
Reducing use of fossils in public transport