Abstract:

The focus of the study is twofold: First, it assesses if current life cycle assessment methodologies are fit for purpose and able to address full life-cycle impacts of new mobility services, and proposes methodological improvements where they are not. Second, the report analyses the life-cycle performance of a range of new vehicles and services based on their technical characteristics, operation, and maintenance, and compares it with that of privately owned cars and public transport. The scope of the analysis expands beyond usual life-cycle assessments of transport vehicles to include impacts due to the operation and maintenance activities that are specific to these new mobility services. Drawing on these analyses, the report identifies solutions to make new mobility a useful part of the urban transport mix while helping to increase energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to address climate change. This report also compares energy and GHG emission impacts assessed for new mobility options with those of privately owned cars, public transport, and other conventional urban mobility modes, such as privately owned bikes and e-bikes. Having looked into central estimates and a range of possible alternatives to assess the variability of results to changes in key input parameters, this analysis identifies solutions to make new mobility more sustainable. It outlines policy actions that could steer the development of new mobility towards net improvements in terms of energy use and GHG emissions.