Exploring the tenability of shared electric mobility alternatives: Will car users adopt eHUBs?

Abstract

Unlike single vehicle sharing schemes, eHUBs offer at least two of a wide range of shared electric-vehicles to meet users' diverse travel needs. Since there is limited knowledge about multi-modal electric vehicle sharing schemes, this study examines individual's intentions to use eHUBs with particular attention to car users. Based on survey responses from 3310 car users across six European countries including the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, and the United Kingdom, the study examines how each individuals' attitudes and socio-demographic variables affect their intentions to use different vehicles offered by eHUBs. Findings show that positive and negative attitudes toward shared mobility and their acceptance of alternate modes significantly affect intentions, while environmental beliefs have no statistically significant effect. Furthermore, age and gender emerged as significant predictors of intentions, and car users showed higher propensity to use shared electric-cars and electric-bikes over electric-cargo bikes. Based on the findings, the study presents recommendations of ways to encourage and incentivise private car users' to use shared mobility alternatives.