Product service systems and sustainable mobility

Abstract

A product service system (PSS) is a function-oriented business model aimed at providing sustainability of both consumption and production. A PSS is defined as a marketable set of products and services capable of jointly fulfilling user needs. In theory PSSs are normally shown realized with smart products. The first PSS were largely motivated by the need of traditional firms to cope with changing market forces and the recognition that services in combination with products could provide higher profits than products alone. Such need is there in the case of the introduction of electric vehicles (EVs). EVs have advantages over present internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEV) in terms of ‘well-to-wheel’ efficiencies, mitigation of local emissions and use of renewable energy sources. But they also have disadvantages in terms of on-board energy carrying capacity and non-existent charging infrastructure. EVs have the potential to be smart products with the help of aspects such as induction charging and vehicle-to-grid function. EVs are introduced at different locations with different business models with less success or less interest from the end user. This article proposes that EVs stand a better chance when marketed for their services and customized to fit user needs than when positioned as a replacement for ICEVs. The research project tries to show that the development of PSSs could be well based on the technology assessment and design-oriented scenarios. A case for developing a methodology for the integration of EVs into the built environment, that of the Schiphol Airport area in the Netherlands, is illustrated in order to explore the possibilities and implications for developing electric vehicle service systems (EVSS).