Carsharing Definition

Carsharing can take different forms, as the model existed prior to the modern concept as monetized under the ‘sharing economy.’ First appearing in Europe in the 1940s, carsharing took the form of multiple individuals co-owning or sharing a car, mainly due to economic reasons. The model has since evolved to include a membership based system of sharing a fleet of cars, with no ownership rights conveyed [1]. Carshare participants gain the utility of a private vehicle without the costs associated with ownership [2]. Carsharing models vary depending on vehicle ownership and the technology underlying the system. Traditional or round-trip carsharing requires users to return a vehicle to the same location where they picked it up. One-way or free-floating allows users to drop off a vehicle at or within any of a number of designated locations or zones, regardless of where it was picked up. In peer-to-peer (or P2P) models, vehicles are made available for sharing by individual owners, rather than by a single fleet owner [3]. Advancements in reservation systems have improved system efficiency across models, and have been particularly important for P2P carsharing [4].

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Note: Mobility COE research partners conducted this literature review in Spring of 2024 based on research available at the time. Unless otherwise noted, this content has not been updated to reflect newer research.

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