In a world where every move we make leaves a digital imprint, the intersection of the future of transportation and the data unveils a narrative that changes the way humans move. What it uncovers is the blueprint of a sustainable and interconnected tomorrow. With more electric vehicles on the road, the growth of data follows suit. This article dives into the role of mobility data, how Europe is using this kind of data to improve sustainability, and the growth of the green transportation sector.
What is Mobility Data?
Mobility data, in most modern transportation systems, records how people and technologies exist and interact with their surroundings. It encompasses various aspects of human movement such as footfall data, traffic analysis, customer journey mapping and more. The quality and diversity of mobility data have surged with the evolution of technology, leading to improved visualization through charts and heat maps. Mobility data is sourced from either first and/or third-party data, and they are constantly evolving with technology and behavioural trends.
Types of Mobility Data
Footfall data measures the number of people entering a specific location.
Traffic analysis data includes data pertaining to the routing, duration, or timing of a communication.
Catchment regions define the geographical area drawing customers.
Dwell-time analysis examines the time visitors spend in a location.
Customer journey mapping tracks how customers navigate through and around locations.
Where does Mobility Data come from?
- Traffic Cameras
- GPS data (i.e. route mapping apps such as Google Maps)
- Public Transportation & fare collection services
- Service Transportation providers (i.e. Uber)
- Public rideshare programs (i.e. City e-bike rentals)
- Social Media Tagging and app usage (i.e. retail rewards apps, such as Starbucks Rewards)
- Public Wifi
What are Electric Vehicles?
Electric vehicles (EVs) have gained significant traction in recent years, driven by a global push towards sustainability. According to the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA), greener alternative propulsion vehicles, such as battery and hybrid cars, comprised more than 50% of the EU car market in 2022. Public charging stations in Europe have increased by 50% in 2022 alone, reflecting the exponential market demand for electric vehicles.
On the global scale, the International Energy Agency (IEA) found that the sales of EVs surpassed 10 million in 2022 – and out of the 1 million purchases made in the U.S. that same year, there was a 57% increase when compared to the previous year.
To put the environmental impact into perspective, gasoline cars require approximately 286 trees to offset carbon emissions, while electric cars only need 64. This 77% reduction in carbon emissions positions electric vehicles as a significant contributor to achieving sustainability goals. The global market value for electric vehicles has surged, with countries like the United States and those in the Asia-Pacific region witnessing upward trends.
Barriers to EV adoption, such as high prices and limited accessibility, are gradually diminishing as the market expands. Almost 1 million of these purchases were made in the U.S., which was a 57% increase over the previous year. With more than 53,000 public charging stations across the country, it’s clear that the sales will only continue to grow as people keep adopting these vehicles.
The Environmental Impact of Electric Vehicles
Electric vehicles play a crucial role in addressing environmental concerns associated with traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. In 2020, the transportation sector accounted for about 20% of global greenhouse gas emissions, with over 40% of the total coming from private cars. To promote greener transport, more than 150 cities worldwide have implemented measures to curb private vehicle use. Electric cars produce zero tailpipe emissions, contributing to cleaner air and a reduction in overall pollution.
The Growth of the Electric Vehicle Industry
The electric vehicle industry has experienced rapid growth in recent years, with sales increasing from a mere 0.2% of total car sales in the United States in 2011 to 4.6% in 2021 (Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics). Forecasts for the next decade vary, but many expect a strong acceleration in EV adoption. S&P Global Mobility predicts electric vehicle sales in the United States could reach 40% of total passenger car sales by 2030, with more optimistic projections exceeding 50%.
The appeal of private vehicle ownership remains strong in many countries, despite the rise of ride-sharing services. However, the market for electric vehicles has witnessed substantial growth, with over 14 million electric cars expected to be sold globally in the current year, compared to just 700,000 in 2016. (Source: Bloomberg). Countries like China have already reached a crucial tipping point, with 38% of new car sales being electric. This growth is expected to continue, with forecasts suggesting electric vehicle sales could reach 40% of total passenger car sales in the United States by 2030.
Consumer demand for electric vehicles has surged, driven by concerns about fuel emissions and a desire to protect the environment. The availability of a wider range of EV models, including larger vehicles like trucks and SUVs, has contributed to this demand. The Department of Energy and the Department of Transportation are working to make EV ownership more practical and accessible by building a nationwide charging network across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.
A July 2023 study by Kelley Blue Book provides insight into just how far electric car prices have fallen, stating that the average price for an EV in June was down nearly 20% from its peak of $66,390 one year ago. The 2023 clean vehicle tax credit may also play a part in the average American’s willingness to purchase, as a new EV bought for personal use in 2023 may qualify for a tax credit of up to $7,500.
How Mobility Data Shapes the Future of Transportation
Mobility data, fueled by technological advancements and the prevalence of mobile devices, has become a catalyst for shaping the future of transportation. Understanding human mobility through data analysis is critical for industries such as retail, real estate, urban and transportation infrastructure planning, disease prediction, and risk assessment.
European initiatives, such as the European Data Strategy, Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) framework and the Digital Transport and Logistics Forum, aim to facilitate data sharing in the mobility sector. The creation of common European data spaces, including the mobility data space, promotes interoperability and convergence of existing initiatives. This open and decentralized ecosystem allows mobility data providers to share data while maintaining control, fostering collaboration and innovation.
What is the European Data Strategy?
The European Data Strategy, launched in February 2020, aims to establish a single market for data, ensuring Europe’s competitiveness globally. It encompasses five key actions, including setting clear and fair rules on data access, investing in next-generation tools and infrastructures, building a European federated cloud capacity, deploying common and interoperable data spaces, and developing competencies through investments in digital skills and capacity building. The Data Act, proposed in February 2022, further ensures fairness in the allocation of value from data among actors in the data economy, opening up opportunities for services based on vehicle data in the mobility sector.
What the Future Holds.
The future of electric vehicles and mobility data is intertwined, shaping a sustainable and technologically advanced transportation landscape. As Europe and the world strive to meet sustainability goals, the growth of the electric vehicle industry and the integration of mobility data into transportation planning are crucial elements. The European Strategy for Data, with its emphasis on fair rules, infrastructure investment, and data space deployment, aligns with these objectives.
The collaborative efforts of governments, organizations, and private actors to build a comprehensive and interoperable data ecosystem for mobility demonstrate a commitment to shaping a sustainable future. The intersection of electric vehicles and mobility data holds immense potential for innovation, efficiency, and a transformative shift toward a cleaner, more connected transportation system.
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