EV sharing program

 

In a city in which medieval cobblestone streets are the norm, and air and noise pollution a definite concern, a self-service electric car program, Autolib', was launched in early December. It is hoped this program will be as popular as the city's bike-rental program has been. There are 250 four-seat compact Bluecars now available for rental, and the program is expected to grow to 2,000 vehicles by next summer, and 3,000 vehicles in the coming two years. Standard subscriptions to the program are available by the day, week or year, with hourly fees tacked on for actual usage. As well, Autolib' is installing 1,200 charging stations throughout the city, both for the vehicles within its program, and also for the city's other electric vehicle owners to use (for 180 euros per year).

It may be a drop in the bucket in a city of approximately 12 million people, but the program is the largest of its kind so far in Europe.