A recent report by the City of Stockholm reveals a drastic decline in the number of carpool locations across the city, with only one area reporting an increase. This decline has coincided with the shocking closure of Volvo On Demand, which was previously a leader in the market, resulting in a loss of 600 cars in Stockholm, including approximately 400 electric vehicles. The report highlights a concerning trend as the presence of electric cars in carpool services diminishes.

In 2024, Volvo Cars announced the discontinuation of its premium car-sharing service, Volvo On Demand, which was expected to significantly impact the carpool landscape in Stockholm. By mid-January 2025, the service had completely ceased operations. This closure not only reduced the pool of electric vehicles available to users but also highlighted a broader issue within the car-sharing industry, as other services like Aimo Share, Ezeto, and GoMore have also downsized or shifted their business models, leading to an overall reduction of 23% in fixed carpool vehicles in the city.

The implications of this decline are multifaceted, impacting urban sustainability efforts, environmental goals, and the transition to electric mobility. With fewer electric vehicles in circulation and a shrinking pool of cars available for sharing, Stockholm may face challenges in promoting car-sharing as a viable alternative to traditional car ownership, ultimately affecting city residents’ ability to access environmentally friendly transportation options.