Small and Light Electric Vehicles: An Analysis of Feasible Transport Impacts and Opportunities for Improved Urban Land Use

Amelie Ewert, Mascha Brost, Christine Eisenmann and Sylvia Stieler
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Amelie Ewert: German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Vehicle Concepts, Pfaffenwaldring 38–40, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
Mascha Brost: German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Vehicle Concepts, Pfaffenwaldring 38–40, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
Christine Eisenmann: German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Transport Research, Rudower Chaussee 72, 12489 Berlin, Germany
Sylvia Stieler: IMU Institut, Hasenbergstraße 49, 70176 Stuttgart, Germany

Sustainability, 2020, vol. 12, issue 19, 1-17

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.

Keywords: LEV; light electric vehicles; urban land use; urban mobility; small electric vehicles (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (6)

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