It’s evident that the transportation industry is responsible for most of the world’s carbon emissions –  29% to be exact. This has led to a need for more sustainable ways to eliminate carbon emissions, including peer-to-peer car-sharing on individual and commercial levels.

Vehicle-sharing for individuals and fleets has already received government backing as a viable substitute to vehicle ownership for its reduced carbon emissions and fuel efficiency.  Even with these benefits in mind, we as the public are left wondering how effective it actually is.

Car-sharing falls under the umbrella of a sharing economy, and has resulted in a 38% reduction in CO2 emissions annually. Sharing economy, or the encouragement of people to share already-existing resources, has grown to prominence through companies like Uber, Zipcar, and Fluid Truck.

As share economy models continue to take the world by storm, we decided to assess its effectiveness in regards to vehicle sharing while also noting how we can make our own business more sustainable.

Vehicle repairs and maintenance

Studies on car-sharing’s effectiveness reveal people tend to drive less when they don’t own the car they are driving. Reduced mileage results in lower carbon emissions of course, but also lower costs associated with vehicle repairs and maintenance. This also results in fewer auto parts polluting our environment, like batteries in landfills or tires in our oceans.

Vehicle lifespan and end-of-life

A critical aspect of vehicle lifespan and end-of-life is when it’s replaced and how it is recycled.

Therefore, there is a necessary balance between the efficiency of the newer vehicle and the time of which the previous vehicle was replaced. Retiring a vehicle before necessary results in an inefficient use of resources, and a shorter lifespan for the newer replacement since it started its life earlier than planned. Simply put, retiring a car too early is like throwing away a battery that is still half full.

Vehicle end-of-life is also important to consider. Up to 75% of retired vehicles can be recycled. Vehicle retirement also deals with depollution, which is the proper disposal of all harmful chemicals that reside in your vehicle.

Car-sharing plays a critical role in increasing a vehicle’s lifespan as well as eliminating wasteful practices associated with owning cars. Resources are used when they are needed, decreasing overconsumption. It also encourages people to retire vehicles at the best and most appropriate time, leading to newer, more efficient vehicles replacing the old ones.

Companies are instilling creative solutions to this issue, including Fluid Truck. The company’s new program, Fluid Truck Renew, is rolling out soon. The program zeroes in on maximum usage of a vehicle’s life by encouraging end-of-lease vehicles to instead be renewed on the Fluid Truck platform. This way, the 4-5 year old vehicles can be used to the end of their life while the owner still makes steady cash flow on their own terms.

Fuel economy: Increasing MPG

In terms of car-sharing, fuel economy studies highlight shared cars are typically 10 MPG more efficient than an owned vehicle, since cars offered by car-sharing platforms are typically the most efficient of their kind, including hybrid, compact, and even electric vehicles.

Safe driving effects

Aggressive and inefficient driving can result in avoidable accidents, as well as negatively impact a vehicle’s fuel economy (MPG) and emissions.

To combat this, companies are instilling safe driving programs such as Fluid Truck’s Safe Driver Cup, which measures the driver’s cornering, braking, and speed. Encouraging safe driving not only lowers insurance and maintenance costs, it also directly impacts a vehicle’s fuel efficiency and the environment.

Tips and tricks for car owners

Regardless of the type of vehicle you own, you can still follow these tips and tricks to make your vehicle more environmentally friendly:

• Maintain your vehicle:
• Fuel efficiency: Be sure to have a mechanic check your fuel filter and accessories for maximum efficiency.
• Routine maintenance: Make sure to regularly schedule oil changes and maintenance to keep your vehicle running smoothly
• Tire pressure: Did you know that under-inflated tires roll less efficiently than full ones? Decrease your engine’s workload by making sure all your tires are properly inflated.
• Avoid topping off: While it may be tempting to put an extra pump or two in your tank when it’s done, avoid doing this as it increases the number of toxins released into the air.
• Drive safer: As stated previously, drive safer to improve your vehicle’s fuel efficiency.

How can Fluid Truck increase its commitment to sustainability?

One of Fluid Truck’s goals as a business is to empower others to use vehicles more sustainably. Fluid Truck maintains sustainability by keeping a close watch on vehicle maintenance in its app, encouraging safe driving, and continued expansion of its electric fleet, therefore widening public access to cleaner vehicles. Still though, there’s always ways we can improve. How can Fluid Truck further its commitment to sustainability?

Continue to invest in electric & fuel efficient vehicles

Fluid Truck has a headstart on electrifying fleets, and is headed in the right direction by making electric vehicles more attainable for businesses and consumers alike. Fluid Truck currently operates the largest rental fleet of medium-duty electric vehicles in the U.S. It just announced its adding Ford’s E-Transit to its fleet, helping the company expand its EV line-up at a time when more Americans than ever are looking for EVs in response to record-high gas prices.

Additionally, its landmark partnership with IKEA will help the home furniture giant meet its goal of 100% zero-emission last-mile home deliveries by 2025. Fluid Truck’s vehicle-sharing model is eliminating barriers for companies who want to use electric vehicles. Fluid Truck is paving the way for businesses to have easy access to electric vehicles 24/7-365 days a year.

Given its leverage, the company is also able to influence the transportation industry’s habits by continuing to form programs such as Fluid Truck Renew. These opportunities make it easier for fleet owners to find quick solutions to growing problems.

As we continue to find more sustainable methods of transportation for businesses and individuals, it’s clear that vehicle-sharing is here to stay. Its positive impact on vehicle maintenance, fuel economy, and vehicle lifespan make it a viable substitute for car ownership, and a sustainable method of transportation.

Download the Fluid Truck app to experience the perks of vehicle-sharing for yourself.

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