Three years ago, Daimler rolled out the car2go program in Ulm, Germany. The program was such a hit with the smart cars that they expanded the operations to the USA a year ago in Austin, Texas. Vancouver will now inherit a fleet of 225 smart fortwo models to provide fuel-efficient driving for users (33 city/41 hwy mpg). The Amsterdam location will have 300 new smart fortwo electric versions of the smart car. The electric model is 100% electric and allows drivers to travel anywhere from 63-98 miles on a full charge.
Car2go allows users to use smart cars throughout the city on demand or reserved a day in advance. Users pay a one-time registration fee to become a car2go member. Price for use of the smart car will depend on how long and far users drive. The longer the user drives, the lower the price. The standard price includes fuel, parking, insurance, maintenance and mileage. The program was designed with certain elements to improve current car rental programs. Car2go prices are based on per minute rather than the popular per hour rate. Users have more flexibility with a per-minute price model so they can utilize the car as they see fit. In addition, renters can drive the smart car one way and not return it to the original location they picked it up at. Finally, users also get the benefit of parking in public spots, car2go spots or even city permit spots, offering parking ease for users.
Overall, the system offers an easy, inexpensive way to have quick access to a car. Owning cars is an afterthought in the locations that car2go is found at so users are thrilled to have the program there.
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