Every other Swede thinks shortage of charging points is a major obstacle to driving electric cars, according to a new survey. More than half of all Swedes are willing to offer up charging points in their home for others to use. Just as many think politicians are not doing enough to reach the goal of fossil free cars by 2030. This is the reason for Renault’s new initiative Elbnb – a nationwide social marketplace where anyone can share theirelectricity and create a new electric car charging infrastructure not confined to a particular network.
Elbnb is a social sharing platform run by the Swedish people themselves.There are many people with charging points in their own home – or even just a regular power socket. Elbnb was created by Renault for Swedes to be able to share electricity access for the greater community of electric car drivers.
Through the initiative, locals can share their own electric car charging point with others. The service’s map function allows users to easily pin their homes or workplaces as a charging stop for electric car drivers. Additionally, it allows drivers to accurately find charge points.
Electric cars are a reality, but charging infrastructures are often cited as a major reason for slow uptake. As an initiative run by locals, Elbnb offers an opportunity for the Swedes to amplify the electric charging infrastructure and contribute when political actions are often seen as too slow.
More Than Half the Population Willing to Share Their Electricity
According to the survey there is strong interest amongst Swedes to share their electricity with others. 54 percent of Swedes are willing to let others charge their car on their grounds or parking spots, if the opportunity arose. The interest is bigger among men (59 percent) than women (48 percent). It is most prevalent among younger persons between the ages of 15 to 34 (62 percent).
A sharing nature is not unusual in Sweden, where car and appartment sharing is already commonplace. Lars Höglin, initiative spokesperson at Renault, said:
“After conversations with both locals and politicians, we see that our initiative is already being positively perceived by the Swedes, who also seem ready to start sharing their power outlets.”
Find out more about the initiative and register to become a part of Elbnb here. By signing up, you will also be given the opportunity to have your say on a cabinet decision for improved electric car infrastructure.
Further Sifo Poll Stats
According to Renault’s Sifo poll, a lack of charging points is one of the biggest obstacles to driving an electric car (51 percent). Meanwhile, six out of ten Swedes (60 percent) would like to see an increase in electric cars. More than every other Swede (51 percent) thinks that politicians are not doing enough work to reach the goal of fossil free cars by 2030. Almost every other Swede (49 percent) would consider getting an electric car if the number of charging points increased. The biggest need for charging stations is in Stockholm, where 56 percent answered the same question favorably.
Elbnb Facts
Elbnb is an initiative by Renault, but the service is open to anyone, no matter whether they have an electric car or not. Elbnb.se collects data on all charging points from Elbnb users as well as already existing points, through a collaboration with the website uppladdning.nu.
The renter and driver agree upon details such as time and potential reimbursement before charging starts. Users can find their closest charge point or offer their own power outlets at www.elbnb.se.
Source; Elbnb
