Challenges and opportunities for advancing electric carsharing in Central Europe

Anotace: Electric carsharing (e-carsharing) systems hold significant potential for promoting sustainable urban mobility in Central Europe, in this study particularly examined in Hungary, Slovakia, and Romania. Through a comparative analysis of carsharing models, charging infrastructure, and regulatory frameworks, this paper identifies key factors influencing the adoption of e-carsharing. The results demonstrate that while e-carsharing can substantially reduce carbon emissions and alleviate traffic congestion, its widespread implementation faces obstacles such as insufficient charging networks, limited governmental support, and consumer preferences for car ownership. In Central Europe, especially in the countries under examination, car ownership still holds great significance, which hinders the spread of e-carsharing services. Therefore, it is particularly important for e-carsharing services to be competitive, making government incentives necessary. Technological innovations like AI-based fleet management and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) systems are essential for improving operational efficiency and sustainability. Policy recommendations emphasize the need for robust government incentives, coherent energy policies, and targeted financial mechanisms to foster the growth and long-term viability of e-carsharing across the region.