Environmental performance of carsharing systems: the impacts of vehicle electrification, lifetime turnover and reuse

Abstract

Several research has documented carhsaring’s benefits; however, such benefits have been demonstrated looking at it as a static system and therefore not taking into account the quick turnaround of the vehicles and reuse of former carsharing vehicles. In this case, the environmental contirbution of carsharing is unclear. With the trend of electrification, the negligence of vehicle turnover and reuse can pose uncertainty on electric carsharing’s contribution. This paper uses an agent-based modelling with life cycle assessment to examine the environmental impact of individual travel behaviour, operator’s fleet management, and second life of former carsharing vehicles. Findings suggest that carsharing can reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emission by 20% at vehicle level. With electric carsharing, it further reduces 55% more. At scenario level, results suggest that carsharing members can reduce GHG emissions by 12% upon joining carsharing. This saving is attributable to vehicle reuse, car ownership reduction, and fuel efficiency improvement.