car2go launches North America’s first all-electric carsharing network in San Diego

18 November 2011

car2go N.A., LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Daimler North America Corporation, and the City of San Diego officially launched North America’s first all-electric carsharing network. car2go began deploying 300 smart fortwo electric drive vehicles Friday in San Diego, which are now in service and available for use.

Unlike traditional carsharing programs, car2go meets the daily needs of members by providing a free-floating network of vehicles that is available on-demand for point-to-point trips. Members can use car2go with or without a reservation, for as long as they would like, without having to commit to a return time or location.

San Diegans will now have access to the car2go network of electric vehicles 24 hours a day, seven days a week. When they’re finished using the vehicle, members can park in a car2go-designated spot, at city non-restricted meters or on-street in residential neighborhoods within the car2go operating area. Parking, recharging, insurance and maintenance are included. Members pay by the minute, and only for the time they use the vehicle, with discounted rates for hourly and daily use.

Rates are: $0.35 per minute; 1 hour for $12.99; and 1 day (up to 24 hours) for no more than $65.99.

The San Diego 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.

The operating area. Click to enlarge.