Decarbonization through rewards: A detailed case of replacing fossil fuel with ethanol (even more sustainable than electric modes)
The Challenge
Currently, many consumers still prefer to fuel their flex-fuel cars with gasoline due to several factors:
- Gasoline Culture: The long history of gasoline use and the perception of familiarity with this fuel.
- Myths about Ethanol: There are several myths about ethanol, such as low performance and engine wear, that discourage consumers.
- Low Consumer Adoption: Lack of knowledge about the benefits of ethanol for both the vehicle and the environment.
The main problem faced in promoting ethanol use in flex-fuel cars is the persistence of myths and lack of awareness among consumers. Many drivers still prefer gasoline due to the deeply rooted culture of its use and misconceptions about ethanol's performance and impact on engines. This low adoption of ethanol is exacerbated by the lack of knowledge about its environmental and economic benefits, such as reducing CO₂ emissions and the possibility of being a cheaper and more sustainable fuel. To reverse this trend, it is crucial to demystify these perceptions and educate consumers about the real advantages of ethanol.
The Solution
The solution developed by the partnership between Ecomiles and Stellantis, as illustrated in the image, addresses the challenge of encouraging ethanol use in flex-fuel cars through an innovative app that combines technology and financial rewards.
The first step of the solution is user registration in the app. Drivers register on the platform, allowing monitoring of their refueling habits and daily routes. This registration is essential for tracking and validating ethanol use in their vehicles.
The solution uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) on Blockchain to validate and certify refueling data and routes. This technological combination ensures transparency and security of information, eliminating fraud and providing trust to users and program administration.
To encourage ethanol use, the app offers financial rewards in the form of cashback. This financial incentive motivates drivers to choose ethanol instead of gasoline. Rewards are received via PIX, making the process quick and attractive to users, increasing program adoption.
After registration, users begin sending their routes and refueling receipts. The route submission is done through geolocation sharing, ensuring that each trip is accurately recorded. Additionally, ethanol refueling receipts are submitted for validation, ensuring the authenticity of information provided by users.
Conclusion
The implementation of the ethanol use incentive solution by the partnership between Ecomiles and Stellantis showed positive results and significant impacts:
121 employees were impacted by the app, demonstrating a promising initial reach.
Validation of 17,853 km recorded by the app, indicating considerable adoption of ethanol use by participants.
490 routes submitted, reflecting active user engagement on the platform.
Average reward of R$ 0.10/km, serving as a direct economic incentive for ethanol use.
More than 94% of users changed their behavior to ethanol use, highlighting the solution's effectiveness in changing consumption habits.
The implementation of this solution is expected to generate several positive impacts. The increase in ethanol consumption is one of the main objectives, achieved through the financial incentives offered by the program. With more drivers opting for ethanol, a significant reduction in CO₂ emissions is expected, contributing to climate change mitigation and promoting sustainability.
Credits
Additionally, the solution provides in-depth knowledge about consumer behavior and the carbon market. Data collected through the app allows for a better understanding of refueling habits and user preferences, enabling the improvement of future strategies.