Currently, politicians are looking to reduce CO₂ emissions and space scarcity caused by car traffic. Looking at the planned EU-program “Fit for 55”, there are several implications for passenger cars. According the the vice president of the EU-commission, Frans Timmermans, passenger cars shall reduce their CO₂ emissions by 60% by 2030 and be emission-free by 2035. Considering planned climate neutrality by 2050 and an average service life of 15 years, the market for combustion engine powered vehicles should shrink dramatically after 2035. [1] Other suggestions for political measures are disincentive for car usage, such as lowering speed limits, scarcity and price raises of parking spaces or increasing petrol prices. [2] Such disincentives might be complemented with incentives for alternative powertrains. For example, the EU plans expansion targets for electric charging stations in order to make electric mobility more attractive. [1] Also, alternative powertrains can be subsidized, as is the case in Germany, where customers receive a discount and tax-exemptions when buying electric vehicles. [3]
When it comes to new business models, especially mobility on demand, providers like Uber face significant issues with legal regulations. Existing players like the Taxi industry put pressure on regulators, which struggle to classify new business models into existing market regulations. [4] Vehicle on Demand services also rely on political concessions, like a certain infrastructure including exclusive parking areas for the mobility providers’ fleets. [5]
Sources
[1] Mayr J., (2021). Wie die EU klimafit werden will. Retrieved: December 15, 2021 from https://www.tagesschau.de/ausland/europa/eu-klima-117.html
[2] Randelhoff, M. (2012). Welche Vor- und Nachteile hat ein kostenloser ÖPNV? Werden Autofahrer wirklich zur ÖPNV-Nutzung animiert? Retrieved from https://www.zukunft-mobilitaet.net/9011/analyse/kostenloser-oepnv-vorteile-nachteile-effekte/#fn-9011-1
[3] Die Bundesregierung. Kaufprämie für Elektroautos erhöht. Retrieved: December 15, 2021 from https://www.bundesregierung.de/breg-de/themen/energiewende/kaufpraemie-fuer-elektroautos-erhoeht-369482
[4] Crespo, Y. (2016). Uber v. Regulation:'Ride-Sharing'Creates a Legal Gray Area. U. Miami Bus. L. Rev., 25, 79.
[5] Hildermeier J., (2017). Public privileges for car sharing enshrined in German law. Retrieved: December 15, 2021 from https://www.transportenvironment.org/discover/public-privileges-car-sharing-enshrined-german-law/