Autolib’ (Paris - France)
Autolib’ is the first full electric and open-access public car sharing service in the city of Paris, inaugurated in 2011 and operated by the Bolloré Group. The concept was developed to complement the city’s bicycle sharing system, Velib’, and further improve sustainable urban mobility solutions.
The Bolloré Group developed a completely electric vehicle (EV) – the Bluecar – with capacity for four people, equipped with a powerful battery, and connected to the city’s Operations Centre through its onboard computer. A fleet of this cars and an extensive network of charging points is made available for the users of the Autolib’ car sharing service.
Autolib’ operates on a paid subscription basis, and citizens can subscribe online, in the subscription kiosks or in the brand’s showroom. After successfully subscribing, the user receives a badge that can be used at any rental station to rent a Bluecar. The badge has to be passed over a sensor to unlock the car, and then it has to be unplugged from the cable that connects the car to the recharging unit. If there is any problem with the car, the user has to communicate the issue at the rental kiosk before using the vehicle. While using the vehicle, the driver can use the onboard computer to book a parking space in real-time or contact Autolib’ assistance, available 24/7. When the rental time is over, the onboard GPS of the Bluecar is used to select the nearest rental kiosk and it has to be reconnected to the rental station for other users to be able to rent it.
Sources:
Improved Intelligent Transport Systems.
Description of the specific objectives:
- Improve the air quality in the city centre;
- Mitigate the effects of noise pollution:
- Reduce carbon emissions.
City of Paris; The Bolloré Group.