Vehicle Electrification in Carsharing and Transportation Network Company (TNC) Fleets: Current and Future Trends

This chapter focuses on two shared mobility modes — carsharing and transportation network companies (TNCs, also known as ridesourcing and ride-hailing) — and how they can incorporate electric vehicles (EVs) into their fleets. Shared mobility is the shared use of a vehicle, scooter, bicycle, or other travel mode; it provides users with short-term access to a travel mode on an as-needed basis. Carsharing (e.g., Zipcar, car2go) offers members access to vehicles by joining an organization that provides and maintains a fleet of cars and/or light trucks. Vehicles may be located throughout a city or region, and members who join a carsharing organization typically pay a fee each time they use a vehicle. TNCs (e.g., Lyft, Uber) are prearranged and an on-demand transportation service for compensation in which drivers and passengers connect via digital applications. Shared fleets have the potential to reduce vehicle ownership and vehicle miles/kilometers traveled (VMT/VKT), while increasing access to transportation options; whether their fleets are electric or not will affect how shared mobility services impact greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In this chapter, we consider emerging transportation business models and investment decisions that are intertwined with the transportation electrification process. Next, we address challenges and opportunities with privately operated electric fleets, as well as selected policies that seek to promote EVs in shared fleets. Finally, we apply this information to future scenarios, addressing how sharing, automation, and electrification trends align.