The Smart Mobility Ecosystem describes a comprehensive approach to the transportation ecosystem. It covers the key components of a smart mobility ecosystem: Connectivity, Coherence, Electrification, Car sharing, and mobility assets. The ecosystem also includes a marketplace where mobility services can be purchased and used per user. It is an ecosystem where consumers can benefit from all the different features and capabilities of a smart mobility system. In this article, we will look at how the various components work together to create a cohesive experience.
Connectivity
With the advent of connected cars, telecom operators are looking for new ways to monetize the opportunities that come with connected cars. Beyond mobile broadband subscription models, telecom operators could partner with automakers to supply end-to-end technology. They could also approach cities and governments to fund infrastructure for connected cars. They could also monetize data by offering insights to city planners and insurance providers. While there are many unanswered questions regarding the future of connected cars, some key considerations are summarized below.
Firstly, the automotive industry is undergoing rapid change. From being a traditional car manufacturing industry to a digital ecosystem, the automotive industry is transforming into a smart mobility ecosystem, starting with a smart delivery route planner. The key to enabling this transition is connectivity. This enables value-added services such as driver assistance systems and connected cars. In addition, investors and regulators are keeping a keen eye out for new ways to enable connectivity in vehicles.
In addition to connectivity in connected cars, the network infrastructure needs to support V2X communication – where data is shared and used to help optimize safety and traffic flow. Smart mobility implementations and planning require access to the personal data of citizens. As 5G speeds increase, network infrastructure will be crucial to support these connected cars. In addition, smart mobility systems require comprehensive and reliable network coverage to enable operators to remotely manage fleets of vehicles, perform predictive maintenance, and charge electric vehicles.
Data is at the heart of smart mobility. In addition to mobility data, other data such as traffic, road regulations, point of interest, and other data can be combined with mobility information to optimize routes and locations for vehicles. Having this data can help municipalities better plan service levels and allocate resources to optimize the movement of all types. And since smart mobility needs to integrate intelligence from various sources, it must also be connected. Smart cities will ultimately result in a more connected city and a smart mobility ecosystem.
Consumers assign economic values to various modes of transportation. In multimodal decision-making processes, consumers consider cost, journey time, wait time, convenience, and other attributes. By integrating multiple solutions and enabling seamless connectivity, mobility consumers will be able to ‘chain’ modes and experience seamless mobility. Sigrid Van Veen, marketing manager at HERE Technologies, says that the new connectivity needs to address these challenges and make it easier for consumers to access and use services.
Coherent Ecosystem
A coherent ecosystem is a network of stakeholders that supports a common set of objectives and is sustainable and extensible. A coherent ecosystem involves a commercial actor that operates a fleet, as well as other actors, such as local maintenance providers, vehicle system suppliers, and consumers. This article examines the key features of a coherent ecosystem within a smart mobility environment. It also presents empirical evidence on the sustainability of a smart mobility ecosystem.
A successful SMP aims to provide a common application for fleet management. It must have common interfaces, support for extensibility, and be able to integrate with other applications. Those criteria are often based on the characteristics and functionalities of an SMP and do not cover all possible scenarios. However, these general requirements provide a solid guideline for constructing a coherent SME, based on a common set of principles.
The smart mobility market is growing rapidly. Mobility as a service is a popular business model, disrupting many city transportation chains. The evolution of smart mobility creates a new niche market for commercial actors. One example is when a commercial actor operates a city’s entire fleet of vehicles. This disrupting trend spawns a variety of companies, from small maintenance providers to global technology giants. The evolution of smart mobility services has created a need for an ecosystem that supports their growth and success.
A coherent ecosystem can be defined as a network of partners working in a coordinated manner to create a solution. The core firm needs to coordinate the innovation activities of the complementors to continuously improve the overall product. In an ecosystem, value is created by removing bottlenecks in the overall system. In addition, a cohesive ecosystem can exploit supermodular complementarities – when component B generates a higher return than its counterpart, A. The final ecosystem captures value through the sale of the solution as a product.
Electrification
Electrification is a fundamental shift in the future of transportation. Traditional combustion-powered engines will be replaced by electric ones, and the vehicle’s driveline will be made up of purely electrical components. This transformation will require new kinds of electronics and sensors to power the vehicle. For example, high-voltage systems will replace the traditional combustion-powered ignition, injection, and battery monitoring. In the future, electric vehicles will be powered solely by green electricity.
As a result of electrification, manufacturing cars will become easier. In addition, new technologies will enable easier maintenance of software for vehicles. With software-defined products, these products can be modified and updated instantly without requiring a new vehicle. The benefits of electrification extend to a number of industries, including the automotive industry. But the transition will not be seamless. Some challenges remain. Electrification in the smart mobility ecosystem will require regulatory and tax policies to be updated.
European countries, with their high-carbon demands, have already started embracing electrification. The European Commission, meanwhile, has backed the company’s mobility electrification strategy, including a 13 million-euro grant to finance the installation of two-thirds of fast charging points on the continent. Combined with incentives for electric vehicles, this will help companies like Iberdrola achieve its ambitious goal of being carbon neutral by 2030.
Ultimately, electrification can improve the quality of life of city dwellers, as well as the environment. The city of Oslo, for example, has an electric mobility initiative, and three out of four new vehicles will be electric. And public transport is catching on as well. By 2021, 40 percent of buses in Oslo will be electric. Achieving this goal is a major step in tackling climate change and improving city life for the city’s citizens.
Electrification can help utilities and suppliers manage their load while facilitating electrification. By leveraging this emerging ecosystem, utilities can engage customers and increase their bottom line. For electric vehicle drivers, this could be the “killer app” for utilities. Moreover, it could be a direct customer engagement tool for utilities. However, these challenges require a lot of work on the part of utilities. It is important to remember that electric vehicles are only a small fraction of the market and are still not as widespread as other cars.
Car Sharing
The Smart Mobility Ecosystem encompasses several forms of transportation. In addition to private cars, people can now use shared AVs and ride-hailing services. Car-sharing has become a popular method of transportation, with the market expanding by 50% from 2012 to 2013. In 2013, there were 3.5 million members. By 2020, there will be over 26 million. Increasingly, car ownership is being replaced by leasing and car-sharing, allowing consumers to travel more efficiently.
The industry has attracted significant investment in the last seven years, with over $55 billion in annual revenues. In fact, ten metropolitan areas generate $500 million in ride-sharing revenues. Ride-sharing companies are able to focus on improving the customer experience and becoming indispensable to existing customers while scaling their business to new heights. However, as the car ownership rates decline in core urban areas, the car-sharing market may become even more vital.
Connectivity is crucial in the Smart Mobility Ecosystem. Data about driving behavior, traffic conditions, and hazards will help organizations improve routing and navigation. By leveraging these data, organizations can improve their overall efficiency. The benefits of the Smart Mobility Ecosystem are clear: true convenience, reduced costs, and improved health. The smart Mobility Ecosystem is a win-win for all parties. It helps us navigate through more efficient routes and avoid congestion, which will lead to better health and a lower carbon footprint.