Disruption on the Way? The Role of Mobile Applications for Electric Vehicle Diffusion

Disruptive eco-innovations that replace existing unsustainable modes of transportation could contribute to achieve substantial improvements in environmental sustainability. Electric vehicles (EVs) have the potential to provide a more sustainable means of individual mobility, but, thus far, customer adoption remains relatively low. Following disruptive innovations theory developed by Christensen, the disruptive potential of EVs can be realized if their performance on traditional attributes that customer\u27s value improves. Here, information systems can play a key role. In this paper, we use a large scale (n = 1461) empirical investigation to examine which attributes must be addressed and assess the ability of existing mobile applications (apps) to do so. Our results indicate that apps contribute to a more reliable and convenient EV-user experience. We shed light on the role of apps in connecting the vehicle, the infrastructure and the user and in creating a digital eco-system that enhances the diffusion of EVs

FACILITATING E-MOBILITY THROUGH DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES – DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION OF A DYNAMIC BATTERY-LEASING BUSINESS MODEL

The electric mobility sector – an important pillar for counteracting climate change – is facing a sluggish market development. In this paper, we present a new dynamic battery-leasing business model that can play a key role in promoting the market introduction of electric mobility. Unlike medium- to long-term approaches for creating additional value from electric vehicles (e.g., demand response or vehicle-to-grid), the business model we propose can be applied in the short run as all necessary prerequisites are already fulfilled. To demonstrate, we proceed in two major steps. First, we design the digital technology–enabled business model that breaks with current business logics by actively involving users in the value generation process. The concept contributes to reducing battery degradation effects and thus increases the residual value of the batteries. Second, we test the underlying hypothesis of our business model – the user’s willingness to follow a certain charging guideline in order to extend battery lifetime – using a comprehensive conjoint analysis. Thus, our research demonstrates how information systems can be used to encourage green choices by consumers

The Value of IS in Business Model Innovation for Sustainable Mobility Services - The Case of Carsharing

Result-oriented services that provide mobility on demand seem to be a promising means of meeting both societal trends and environmental sustainability targets. In this paper, we investigate the contribution of Information Systems (IS) to drive this substantial business model change towards sustainable mobility from a cus-tomer\u27s perspective. While doing so, we focus on the specific case of carsharing - a result-oriented mobility service that has been known for decades, which is re-cently receiving more attention due to environmental concerns. Employing a choice-based conjoint analysis (n = 221), we explore and evaluate the role of IS for the perceived attractiveness of carsharing. With our investigation, we show how IS, by their three functions of information, automation and transformation, may improve this sustainable form of individual mobility and thus contribute to the shift towards sustainable mobility

THE EVOLVEMENT OF ENERGY INFORMATICS IN THE INFORMATION SYSTEMS COMMUNITY - A LITERATURE ANALYSIS AND RESEARCH AGENDA

This paper analyses the current state of research in the domain of energy informatics. The intention is to provide a structured overview of the existing body of knowledge in the investigated field. To accomplish this, the authors employed a literature analysis including major and relevant outlets from the IS and business study disciplines. In total, 109 papers were found. To illustrate the state of the art of the discipline, the authors develop a concept matrix showing the used methods and investigated units of analysis. On that basis, the agenda for future focused research opportunities is laid out

Integration of Passenger and Freight Transportation using Autonomous Shuttles: A Simulation Study on Sustainability-Related KPIs

Autonomous and integrated passenger and freight transport (APFIT) is a promising approach to tackle both, traffic and last-mile-related issues such as environmental emissions, social and spatial conflicts or operational inefficiencies. By conducting an agent-based simulation, we shed light on this widely unexplored research topic and provide first indications regarding influential target figures of such a system in the rural area of Sarstedt, Germany. Our results show that larger fleets entail inefficiencies due to suboptimal utilization of monetary and material resources and increase traffic volume while higher amounts of unused vehicles may exacerbate spatial conflicts. Nevertheless, to fit the given demand within our study area, a comparatively large fleet of about 25 vehicles is necessary to provide reliable service, assuming maximum passenger waiting times of six minutes to the expense of higher standby times, rebalancing effort, and higher costs for vehicle acquisition and maintenance

Will They Die Another Day? A Decision Support Perspective on Reusing Electric Vehicle Batteries

The diffusion of electric mobility suffers from an immature and expensive battery technology. Reusing electric vehicle batteries (EVBs) is a prospective opportunity for lowering the total costs of ownership of electric vehicles and using scarce natural resources more efficiently. However, to determine how to reuse a battery is a complex decision problem. In this study we set out to develop a design theory for a class of decision support systems (DSSs) that implement two main functions: First, a consideration set of feasible reuse scenarios is compiled based on an assess-ment of a battery’s structure and condition. Second, an offering is configured based on bun-dling batteries with customized services. We conclude with an outlook to our ongoing design science project that will, amongst others, explore to what extent systems instantiated from the design theory can remedy adverse effects caused by the ‘lemon market’ properties of the sec-ond-hand battery market

Moving from Walkability? Evaluation Traditional and Merging Data Sources for Evaluating Changes in Campus-Generated Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Universities are increasingly committing to reduce campus-generated greenhouse gas emissions, whether voluntarily or in response to a legal mandate. As an initial step to keeping these commitments, universities need an accounting of baseline greenhouse gas emissions levels and means of monitoring changes in campus-generated greenhouse gas emissions over time. Commute-generated greenhouse gas emissions from travel to and from campus by students and employees are among the most difficult to quantify. This report examines some of the challenges associated with estimating campus-generated greenhouse gas emissions and evaluates ways to address those challenges. The purpose of this study is to identify changes in campus-generated travel behavior at California Polytechnic State University based on the results of three successive campus-wide travel surveys; to evaluate alternative data sources that have the potential to supplement or replace campus travel surveys as a source of data for campus-generated greenhouse gas emissions; and to evaluate alternate methods to estimating greenhouse gas emissions from campus-generated vehicle miles traveled, depending on the presence of campus-specific information about vehicle fleet characteristics. The results of successive travel surveys suggest that the campus population has become more car-dependent over time. Comparison of survey results with data collected from automating traffic counting devices and mobile device data suggest that surveys that are limited to members of the campus community are likely to undercount campus-generated vehicle miles traveled by excluding infrequent, but potentially long, trips by campus visitors. Finally, we find that using campus-specific information on the model years of vehicles used to commute to campus yields higher estimates of campus-generated greenhouse gas emissions, relative to average regional emissions rates

How Can Mobile Applications Reduce Energy Consumption? An Experimental Investigation of Electric Vehicles

The role of information systems for environmental sustainability has received considerable attention over the last several years. In view of global warming and climate change, a transition from combustion to electric vehicles (EVs) can help reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Since sustainable behavior often lacks relevant information about its environmental effects, the role of information systems in influencing energy consumption is being explored in this paper. The main focus is to investigate the impact of driver assistance systems in form of mobile applications on the energy consumption of EVs. To test such an impact, a field experiment is conducted by defining a control group and an experimental group. Test drives are performed with an all-electric, lithium-ion battery powered, small passenger city car. As the treatment of the study, a mobile application is chosen that monitors excessive acceleration and hard braking. The results reveal significant differences among the groups, which indicate that using smartphone-based driver assistance systems significantly reduces the energy consumption of EVs. This can entail several benefits, including an increase of range of EVs, electricity cost savings, decrease of vehicle wear, and reduction of GHG emissions. The findings are discussed and implications for research and practice are given

Public entities driven robotic innovation in urban areas

Cities present new challenges and needs to satisfy and improve lifestyle for their citizens under the concept “Smart City”. In order to achieve this goal in a global manner, new technologies are required as the robotic one. But Public entities unknown the possibilities offered by this technology to get solutions to their needs. In this paper the development of the Innovative Public Procurement instruments is explained, specifically the process PDTI (Public end Users Driven Technological Innovation) as a driving force of robotic research and development and offering a list of robotic urban challenges proposed by European cities that have participated in such a process. In the next phases of the procedure, this fact will provide novel robotic solutions addressed to public demand that are an example to be followed by other Smart Cities.Peer ReviewedPostprint (author's final draft