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What is intermodality?
L'intermodality is a method of combining different means of transport to make a journey. Intermodality, unlike multimodality which offers a choice of several modes of transport, and the multimodality where the route taken by passengers is not predefined, refers to a journey structured by dedicated infrastructure, guaranteeing seamless interconnection. In other words, it enables users to make a complete journey by successively using several modes of transport connected via intermodal hubs (electric cars and electric scooters, underground trains, bicycles, etc.).
In sparsely populated areas, exclusive use of the car is often essential for daily travel, in the absence of viable alternatives. However, infrastructure permitting, car-pooling or self-service bicycle hire can be relevant solutions. Conversely, in densely populated areas, intermodality offers a credible alternative to individual car use, which is becoming less and less appropriate. However, it is important to note that despite the 111,000 charging stations in France (October 2023, Avere France), these recharging solutions are unevenly distributed in each département.
Indeed, these approaches are becoming increasingly essential to ensure more accessible and affordable mobility. As well as relieving congestion on the roads, you'll save money in the long run, given the inevitable rise in the price of energy for recharging your electric vehicle.
In short, promoting intermodality means encouraging users to adopt more economical means of transport and improving their comfort.
What is micromobility?
La micromobility is the use of soft modes of transport, such as bicycles, scooters or electric scooters, to complement public transport and cars. In short, micro-mobility encompasses a variety of light, compact modes of electric transport, such as electric scooters, electric bicycles and unicycles. These vehicles are characterised by their practical portability, making them easy to carry by hand or stow away on public transport. These means of transport are easy to use and also environmentally friendly.
These modes of transport offer a practical and environmentally-friendly solution for short-distance journeys, reducing road congestion and promoting more active urban mobility.
Integrating these different modes of electric transport into a coherent intermodal system is essential to optimise their use and maximise their environmental benefits. By enabling users to easily combine different modes of transport according to their needs, we can create fluid and efficient transport systems that better meet the expectations of citizens.
Microbility: what needs to be done to make it widespread?
The widespread adoption of electric vehicles and micro-mobility means that appropriate infrastructure needs to be put in place, such as charging points for electric cars, safe cycle paths and parking areas for bikes and scooters.
In addition, incentives such as subsidies for the purchase of electric vehicles or discounts on public transport fares can encourage individuals to adopt these sustainable modes of transport.
By combining these innovative approaches with intelligent urban planning and favourable transport policies, cities can create environments conducive to clean, accessible and efficient mobility for all.
The main obstacles to adopting an eco-friendly vehicle
Despite the many advantages of electric mobility, a number of reservations have arisen in the wake of the expansion of electric cars.
The price
The major obstacle to the adoption of electric vehicles remains their high cost compared with their internal combustion counterparts. This price differential is due to the high production cost of batteries, which increases the total price of the vehicle. However, thanks to technological advances and research efforts, this cost is gradually falling each year. To illustrate this, the Peugeot e-208 has a price tag of €34,800, while its thermal equivalent comes in at €30,700.
Despite this drawback, it is worth highlighting thefinancial aid granted by governments, at both national and regional level, to reduce the price of electric vehicles. This public support helps to bridge part of the price gap, making electric vehicles more affordable and competitive with internal combustion vehicles.
What's more, maintenance and fuel costs are lower for electric vehicles, which can offset the initial price difference. In fact, charging an electric vehicle at home costs around three times less than filling up a conventional car. thermal vehicle. On an average annual journey of 15,000 kilometres, the savings on fuel costs can amount to several hundred euros.
To find out more about the price of an electric vehicle in 2023, you may be interested in this article: How much will an electric car cost in 2023?
L'autonomy
Range is crucial when it comes to choosing an electric car, and must correspond to the user's needs. It depends on a number of factors, such as batteryIt's not just the weight and aerodynamics of the vehicle, but also the journeys made. Driving in or around town means maximum autonomy, thanks to the regenerative braking of electric cars. Weather conditions also influence consumption in kWh/100 km.
According to the French Ministry of Ecological Transition :
- cars registered in France travel an average of 12,200 km/year, i.e. 230 km
- light commercial vehicles travel 14,700 km/year, 280 km/week.
Currently, the electric cars available offer a real range of between 200 and 500 km per charge, meeting the daily needs of most drivers, such as the Tesla Model 3 Highland Long Range (proposing 629 km).
What's more, the range of an electric car is influenced by a number of factors, including :
- Speed Driving at too high a speed,
- Driving style Driving smoothly and carefully will maximise battery life,
- The load carried transporting heavy objects or towing a trailer increases energy consumption and reduces range,
- Road topography Driving in town, with its many stops and starts, consumes more energy than driving on country roads or motorways.
- Use of the vehicle's equipment Use the air conditioning, heating, heated seats and other electrical equipment,
- The outside temperature Extreme temperatures, hot or cold, can reduce battery life.
For more information on this subject:
Charging infrastructure
The proliferation of charging points for electric cars in France brings with it a number of challenges. These include lack of opaque pricingbut above all variables in function :
- of the operator,
- the type of terminal,
- charging power,
- the duration of the recharge.
UFC-Que Choisir has noted price differences of up to 800 % for the same charge point.
We also have a insufficient number of terminals. According to Avere France, it would take around 1 charging point for every 10 electric vehicles to meet demand, despite the 111,000 charging points available to the public. However, there is currently only one charging point for every 22 vehicles in France.
What's more, 39 % of public charging points are out of order at least once a month, i.e. insufficient availability. But there is good news! Emmanuel Macron has envisaged the installation of 400,000 public charging points by 2030, following a study by Avere-France proposing between 330,000 and 480,000.
What are the benefits of intermodality for electric vehicles?
This approach offers many advantages for electric car users. Intermodality is a key element in reaping the full benefits of electric vehicles and promoting more sustainable mobility. By combining electric vehicles with other modes of transport, drivers can enjoy a host of benefits.
Optimising autonomy
One of the main obstacles to the adoption of electric cars is their limited range compared with internal combustion vehicles, as previously stated. Intermodality makes it possible to overcome this constraint by combining the electric car with other means of transport, such as public transport, cycling or walking.
The result:
- Reduced recharging frequency,
- Battery optimisation,
- Battery less prone to wear and tear,
- Reduce the stress associated with recharging...
In short, by using public transport, cycling or walking for these journeys, electric vehicle drivers can conserve battery power for longer journeys that require greater range.
Reduce operating costs
Intermodality also reduces the cost of using an electric car. Public transport and cycling are generally cheaper than using a car, and walking is free. What's more, intermodality avoids parking charges, which can be high in major cities.
In fact, by using public transport, cycling or walking for short journeys, drivers of electric vehicles considerably reduce their expenditure. Inevitably, this saves them money on their electricity bills and extends their battery life. Similarly, by reducing the number of kilometres travelled by car, intermodality can contribute to reduce maintenance costsThese include tyre replacement and general repairs. Electric vehicle drivers can also save money on tolls using public transport or alternative routes that do not require a toll.
Improving comfort and quality of life
This eco-friendly method also offers advantages in terms of comfort and quality of life. By using public transport, drivers can take advantage of their journey to relax, read or work. What's more, intermodality reduces the stress and pollution associated with traffic jams.
However, these comments need to be qualified. The effectiveness of intermodal practices depends essentially on the articulation of efficient transport networks, in particular a solid public transport system that meets the mobility needs of the majority. The development of intermodality can strengthen the competitiveness of a sustainable transport offer, but it cannot compensate for the shortcomings of an underdeveloped system. The introduction of attractive intermodal practices therefore depends on an adequate transport system.
Conclusion
Intermodality is an intelligent approach to mobility that combines different modes of transport to meet individual travel needs. It paves the way for more sustainable and efficient mobility, contributing to a more environmentally friendly future. By adopting intermodality, both private individuals and professionals can optimise the use of their electric vehicles in a number of ways.
So it's a win-win solution for everyone. It cuts costs, improves efficiency and reduces the environmental impact of travel. By adopting an intermodal approach to mobility, we can create cities that are more sustainable and more pleasant to live in.
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