AutoLib green car rental scheme hit by vandalism in Paris

One month after its launch there are reports that Paris’ innovative car rental scheme has been hit by vandalism problems. One quarter of the 200 cars have had to be withdrawn as a result of vandalism and break downs, leaving just 150 cars in circulation.

http://www.thelocal.fr/2170/20120102/

A rough start indeed. But I remain faithful that AuotLib will *must* succeed.

Yaaaay!!!! :) I tried the AutoLib yesterday for the first time and it’s incredible!!! I already love it. It officially launched on Monday of this week in Paris.

If you haven’t heard, AutoLib is a pay-as-you-drive electric car rental in Paris. 1200 of them have their own special electric parking spaces around the city. I’m very happy about it because it’s very cost saving, reduces pollution and traffic.

How much does it cost? €5 for 30 minutes (almost same as 2 metro tickets), €10 a day, €15 a week or €144 a year.

AutoLib, the pay as you go electric car rental service launches TODAY in Paris!!! The AutoLib project is aimed at reducing the need for the private cars that hog Parisian boulevards as well as offering locals and visitors a chance to discover electric cars. The city of Paris has spent 35 million euros ($47.8 million) in building the car rental stations, while neighboring communes have contributed 50,000 for each station. Just pick up the car at a nearby kiosque, drive to where ever you want to go in the city, and park it in designated green parking spot… and don’t forget to plug the charger in so that the next person find a full battery!

P2P car sharing services like GetAround could help minimize the impact of cars on the environment by diminishing the number of cars out there. A similar service called SocialCar just launched in Spain…very cool concept