Fields of applications and transport-related potentials of small electric vehicles in Germany

Abstract

The possible applications of small electric vehicles, i.e., electric cargo bikes and three- and four-wheeled L-class vehicles in transport, are discussed, and potential business models are presented. Moreover, transport-related potentials are analyzed. Therefore, we have utilized a multi-method approach: we conducted qualitative interviews with experts and professionals in the field of light and small electric vehicles and carried out quantitative analyses with the national household travel survey mobility in Germany 2017. Our results show that, theoretically, small electric vehicles could be used for 20–50% of private trips (depending on the model). On these trips, however, they would not only replace car trips, but also trips on public transport or by bicycle and on foot. In commercial transport, these vehicles are particularly suitable for service trips and some last-mile deliveries. If small electric vehicles were to replace a significant share of the transport volumes of motorized passenger and commercial transport, they could contribute to climate protection.