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Life-Cycle Break-Even Analysis of Electric Carsharing: A Comparative Study in China

Author

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  • Jingjing Jia

    (School of Business, Shanghai Dianji University, Shanghai 201306, China)

  • Shujie Ma

    (School of Automotive Studies, Tongji University, Shanghai 201804, China)

  • Yixi Xue

    (School of Management, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China)

  • Deyang Kong

    (School of Automotive Studies, Tongji University, Shanghai 201804, China)

Abstract

Electric carsharing (ECS) is a potential option to address the problem of unsustainability in the transportation sector. The business-to-consumer model of ECS, which is one of several different electric carsharing models, has gained much popularity in recent years. Generating sufficient revenue to cover costs is a critical factor for ECS companies to maintain healthy development. This study makes an economic analysis, on the basis of life-cycle cost and monetary revenue associated with the operation of ECS, of two Chinese ECS companies: EVCARD and LCCS. Based on data gathered by field investigation, this study aims to determine the break-even moment for each company’s main vehicle models by means of the net present value method. The results show that EVCARD achieved an earlier break-even moment than LCCS. The break-even moment of Chery eQ of EVCARD was the shortest of all the vehicle models, at only 181.3 min. Moreover, a sensitivity analysis was conducted to portray how different cost-related and revenue-related factors influence the break-even moment. Our findings indicate that a wide difference exists in terms of the influence of different factors on the break-even moment. Among these, the manufacturer’s suggested retail price is the most influential variable, followed by the unit rental price. The reaction of the break-even moment to the market price of a charging pile and the non-rental revenue per vehicle—especially the latter—was found to be negligible in the sensitivity analysis.

Suggested Citation

  • Jingjing Jia & Shujie Ma & Yixi Xue & Deyang Kong, 2020. "Life-Cycle Break-Even Analysis of Electric Carsharing: A Comparative Study in China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(16), pages 1-29, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:16:p:6584-:d:398953
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Zu, Jinyan & Kong, Hui & Xu, Yang & Zhang, Xiaohu, 2024. "Carsharing in China: Impact of system and urban factors on usage and efficiency," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 117(C).

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