Mobility as a Service
Future-proofing companies
”Charging electric vehicles – from concern and doubt to a true experience
I spent a long time thinking about my next vehicle. CO₂ emissions, the coronavirus pandemic, working from home, social interaction, and the future of work have all been on my mind intensely over the past months.
I paid particular attention to the following questions: does an electric vehicle really contribute to a positive environmental footprint? Is battery production truly sustainable, or does it come at the expense of people in raw-material-producing countries? And is the power grid infrastructure designed to handle the additional demand?
Quote from the German Federal Ministry for the Environment (BMU)
„If all of the approximately 45 million passenger cars currently on German roads were to run largely on electricity, around 100 terawatt hours (TWh) of electricity per year would be required. This corresponds to one sixth of Germany’s total annual electricity consumption. In the long term, adjustments to the power grid will be necessary to enable the simultaneous charging of many electric vehicles. This applies in particular to local power grids, the so-called distribution networks.“
Is the grid really dimensioned for this? Or will we experience a similar situation to broadband expansion, with slow progress and insufficient capacity? Can I really get everywhere with an electric vehicle without constantly worrying about range and the availability of charging points?
The following aspects concerned me most:
- Charging infrastructure is not yet fully developed or comprehensive
- UIntransparent pricing structures and billing models for charging electricity
- Travel planning is driven and dominated by charging requirements
- How can I make meaningful use of time during long charging processes?
- How do range fluctuations differ between summer and winter?
I have not found complete or holistic answers to these questions. What I want is a partner who actively addresses these open issues and strengthens my decision to invest in electric mobility.
I see many opportunities among the providers located along major transport routes in Germany and Europe. Especially operators of service areas, fast-food restaurants, and other supply points have a clear need here and significant potential to seize new opportunities.
Smart Services
I discussed this topic with friends and colleagues. Smart Services emerged as a solution model from many perspectives. Connecting stations with travelers holds enormous potential. Understanding user behavior and needs forms the basis for tailored, personalized solutions and products that accompany me on my journeys.
My approach is to offer segment-specific services for different user groups, similar to how car manufacturers have already begun providing vehicle-specific apps.
Developing initial ideas in the form of so-called MVPs (Minimum Viable Products) is an established practice in digital business. Examples could include a fun area for families at service stations, wellness zones for frequent travelers, sanitation packages for long-distance drivers, or quiet spaces for business travelers. All of these options help redefine mobility in a new era and transform it into a positive experience.
Above all, the contribution to ecology and the preservation of the environment for the future is paramount. Now is the time not only to implement alternative drive technologies, but to fundamentally rethink mobility and travel. Connecting different modes of transport and offering services around them is the future.
The topic of “Mobility as a Service” is still not fully realized today and offers significant growth potential. A truly ecological contribution is possible through this approach. Together with our technology partners, we invite an open discussion on this subject.
