Modeling the business/operating areas of free-floating carsharing systems

Abstract

Free-floating carsharing systems with (and without) electric vehicles are emerging and there is limited knowledge where such concepts will succeed. Within this knowledge gap, the definition of the business/operating area is a key aspect. Inside this area a carsharing vehicle can be more or less picked-up and dropped-off everywhere at any time. This research aims to develop a model that helps to determine business areas a-priori by predicting inner-city booking hot-spots. The approach is based on modeling success factors. For this, first “success” and its manifestation are defined and then success factors which impact the definition of the business area are explored. These findings are combined in a regression analysis, resulting in a model that is later evaluated for its applicability.