E-car sharing as a sustainable approach to reducing residential parking demand: a qualitative analysis based on a mobility company in Germany

Abstract

This study examines the extent to which e-car sharing can contribute to reducing the demand for parking spaces in residential areas and what conditions enable successful integration. Using the example of a mobility company, it analyzes regulatory and user-related factors as well as economic and ecological effects from the perspective of municipal and housing industry stakeholders. Methodologically, the study is based on a qualitative analysis consisting of five semi-structured expert interviews and a structured content analysis following Mayring’s approach.

The results reveal substantial potential to reduce private car ownership and, consequently, the need for parking spaces, which can make neighborhoods more sustainable, livable, and cost-efficient. At the same time, key challenges become apparent. The expected effects only materialize with sufficient user acceptance and utilization and strongly depend on the willingness of municipalities to reduce parking spaces through mobility concepts. Success factors include supportive municipal regulations, the early integration of the car-sharing concept into neighborhood planning, and close cooperation between municipalities, mobility providers, and the housing sector. Overall, the study highlights the relevance of e-car sharing for sustainable neighborhoods and identifies a need for further research on quantitative usage data and residents’ perspectives.