Car2Go is a subsidiary of Daimler AG that provides carsharing services in several cities in Europe and North America.^[1] As of April 2012, Car2Go operates with gasoline-powered Smart Fortwos in Berlin, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Ulm, Lyon, Vienna, Vancouver, British Columbia, Austin, Texas, Portland, Oregon, and Washington, D.C. In November 2011 the world's first all-electric carsharing network was launched in San Diego, California, with a fleet of 300 Smart EDs.^[2] A fleet of the same size was deployed in Amsterdam in late November 2011.^[3]

Cities[link]

Car2Go cars in Austin, Texas.

Car2Go's fleet contains over 900 Smart Fortwo microcars; a gasoline version with fully integrated solar roof. Unlike some carsharing programs, car2go is not station-based.

Service began in Ulm, Germany in October 2008. Service to the public in Austin, Texas, U.S. in May 2010 and launched a year later in Hamburg, Germany in the second quarter 2011.^[4][5]

Car2Go in downtown Washington, D.C.

In Austin the Car2Go fleet is located throughout the greater downtown area and can be accessed on-demand or booked 24 hours in advance. The members may use the vehicle for as long as they like, without committing to a specific return time or return location. The driver can finish the rental in any available public parking space within the business area or at one of the specially marked car2go spaces.^[6] Charges are based on minutes used and include fuel, insurance, parking and maintenance. There is a one-time registration fee of US$35.

Vancouver, British Columbia is the first Canadian city with the service. A fleet of 225 Smart “Car2Go edition” vehicles are available to Vancouver Car2Go members since June 2011. Car2Go Canada Ltd., a subsidiary of Daimler North America Corporation, joined two existing carshare services already operating in Vancouver.^[7][8]

Car2Go service began in Washington, D.C. on late March 2012 with a fleet of 200 Smart Fortwo cars. The vehicles can be pick up and left at metered parking spots anywhere in the District.^[9] Also in late March 2012, the service began its roll out in Portland, Oregon, with 250 Smart Cars across the city.^[10]

Electric cars[link]

Two Car2Go Smart EDs charging at the Herengracht in Amsterdam .

Car2Go member car reader that allows access to the vehicle

In July 2011, Car2Go announced that 300 Smart EDs would go into carsharing service in San Diego and Amsterdam before the end of 2011. The company stated that the carsharing electric cars will have a range of 84 miles (135 km) and based on their experience with usage in other cities, they will most likely need to be recharged every two or three days. When reserving the electric car online, San Diego Car2Go members will be able to see the battery's state of charge, so if the customer wants to go for an extended drive, the option is available to find the right car for that trip.^[11][12][13]

San Diego

The world's first all-electric carsharing network was launched in San Diego on November 18, 2011. The service is provided with a network of 300 Smart fortwo EDs that are available on-demand for point-to-point trips. Members can use car2go with or without a reservation The operating area is bordered by Imperial Avenue to the South, I5 and I15 to the East, Friars Road and Beryl Avenue to the North and all of point Loma extending to the gates of the Naval Station. Rates are US$0.35 per minute; US$12.99 per one hour; and 1 day (up to 24 hours) for no more than US$65.99.^[2]

Amsterdam

Starting on November 24, 2011, Amsterdam became the fifth city with a car2go service globally, and the first in Europe with an all-electric fleet. The fleet of 300 Smart fortwo EDs will be available on-demand. These car2go vehicles and other electric cars in Amsterdam will have access to more than 250 charging stations in the city area. The number is expected to increase significantly up to 1,000 by end of 2012. Rates are 29 Euro cents (US$0.41) per minute; €12.90 (US$18.23) per hour and a daily rate (24 hours) of €39 Euro (US$55.10). If car2go is used for stop-overs, a special parking rate of 9 cents (US$0.13) per minute (€5.40 (US$7.63) per hour) will be calculated. Insurance, taxes, electricity and parking costs are included in this price.^[3]

Apps[link]

Third party apps for Apple, Android and Windows Phone devices allow users to locate vehicles.

References[link]

External links[link]

• Official website
• Daimler - Mobility concepts: Car2Go