EV car sharing

A round-trip car sharing service featuring ultra-compact electric vehicle the Nissan New Mobility Concept has been launched in Japan.

The service, Choimobi Yokohama, enables users who register online to pick up and return cars in 14 locations around Yokohama Station. Cars can be reserved 30 minutes in advance and can be driven within the city, Nissan says.

Nissan Motor Co. and the City of Yokohama have introduced the service which costs 250 yen (NZ$3.18) per 15 minutes, plus a 200 yen ($2.54) basic charge, with a maximum daily charge of 3000 yen ($38.15).

Users need a Japanese driver’s licence, a smartphone and a Japan-issued credit card.

Nissan and the City of Yokohama previously held a two-year trial of Japan’s first one-way car sharing service using ultra-compact electric vehicles, starting in October 2013.

The aim was to encourage low-emission transport options, improve the quality of transportation and promote tourism. In October 2015, the partnership began renting cars to local tour operators and businesses.

The new round-trip service is to further promote ultra-compact mobility and build a sustainable business model through public-private cooperation. Guided tours around central Yokohama and long-term car rentals for businesses will be included.