After three years, 644 users registered in six pilot cities and a total of 38,866 trips, European project ELVITEN comes to an end demonstrating how electric light vehicles (EL-Vs) can be used in urban areas and be integrated into the existing transport network of European cities.
From the analysis of the data on ELVITEN vehicles’ use, it became apparent that users who did not use the vehicles on a regular basis, became with time, regular users. With the COVID-19 pandemic, pilot cities involved in the project became a privilege observatory to assess changes in mobility. There was a major increase in light electric vehicle usage in the six demonstration cities at the end of the COVID-19 lockdown.
When it comes to introducing EL-Vs in urban mobility, speakers stressed the need for an urban mobility plan that would include as well as electric mobility. Such an urban plan should, for instance, include a polycentric vision of charging points and a review of road infrastructure. Additionally, the study of EL-Vs acceptance showcased the important role that facilitating conditions and experience affects the acceptance of EL-Vs.
ELVITEN project run in the six cities of Bari, Genoa and Rome (Italy), Berlin (Germany), Malaga (Spain), and Trikala (Greece). They all differ in specific features (existing EL-V fleets, infrastructure, mobility problems, policies) but they all involve existing EL-Vs fleets and charging infrastructure. ELVITEN’s goal was to achieve a mind-shift among users in these cities by providing them with a better EL-V experience. The discussion continues on 28 October with a dedicated webinar “Experiences and recommendations for EL-Vs usage in urban environments”. During the webinar, ELVITEN partners presented the main project’s outcomes after three years of research work and will encourage the interactive discussion around electromobility in urban environments.
