Car sharing has become a popular transportation option in Germany, offering residents and visitors a convenient, affordable, and sustainable way to access rental vehicles. With its extensive public transportation network, dense urban centers, and strict environmental regulations, Germany is an ideal market for car sharing services. In this article, we will explore the best car sharing options in Germany, their unique features, and how they can benefit you and the environment.
What is Car Sharing?
Car sharing is a service that allows individuals to rent a vehicle for a short period of time, usually by the hour or day. Car sharing services offer a more streamlined rental process than traditional car rental companies and allow customers to rent cars without a membership fee.
Benefits of Car Sharing in Germany
Car sharing in Germany offers several benefits, including:
Reduced Traffic Congestion
Car sharing can help reduce traffic congestion in Germany by reducing the number of cars on the road. With fewer cars on the road, traffic flows more smoothly, reducing travel times and improving air quality.
Lower Carbon Footprint
Car sharing also helps reduce the carbon footprint of transportation in Germany. By sharing cars, fewer vehicles are on the road, reducing the amount of greenhouse gas emissions from transportation.
Cost Savings
Car sharing can also provide cost savings for individuals who do not own a car or only need to use a car occasionally. With car sharing, customers only pay for the time they use the car, rather than paying for the cost of owning and maintaining a vehicle.
Flexibility
Car sharing services offer greater flexibility than traditional car rental companies, allowing customers to rent a car for as little as an hour or as long as several days. This can be especially helpful for individuals who only need a car for short trips or who want to try out different types of vehicles.
Convenience
Car sharing services are often more convenient than traditional car rental companies, with many offering mobile apps that allow customers to reserve and access vehicles quickly and easily. In addition, car sharing services often have designated parking spots in various locations around the city, making it easy to pick up and drop off cars.
No Need to Worry About Maintenance and Repairs
When you rent a car, you don’t have to worry about maintenance and repairs. Car sharing services take care of all of that for you, ensuring that the car is always in good condition and safe to drive.
Access to a Wide Range of Vehicles
Car sharing services offer access to a wide range of vehicles, including economy cars, luxury cars, SUVs, and trucks. This gives customers the flexibility to choose the right vehicle for their specific needs.
Improved Mobility
Car sharing services can improve mobility for individuals who do not have access to a personal vehicle, such as those who do not own a car or do not have a driver’s license.
Reduced Need for Personal Vehicles
Car sharing can also reduce the need for individuals to own personal vehicles, which can save them money on car payments, insurance, and other expenses associated with car ownership.
Social and Community Benefits
Car sharing can also have social and community benefits. By sharing cars, individuals can reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable transportation system in the city. Additionally, car sharing can promote social connections and community building, as individuals may share rides and get to know each other better.
Best Car Sharing Options in Germany
Here are some of the best car sharing options in Germany:
1. Car2Go
Car2Go is a car sharing service operated by Daimler AG, offering a fleet of Smart cars for rent by the minute, hour, or day. The service provides a “free-floating” pricing model, with rates starting at €0.19 per minute, €0.39 per kilometer, or €39 per day. Car2Go’s fleet includes a variety of Smart car options, and the service provides 24/7 customer support and roadside assistance.
Unique Features
- Access to a large fleet of Smart cars that are easy to park and maneuver in the city.
- The ability to park the car in any legal parking spot within the Car2Go Home Area, which covers most major cities in Germany.
- Fuel and insurance are included in the rental fee.
Pricing
- Per-minute rates start at €0.19 per minute.
- Per-kilometer rates start at €0.39 per kilometer.
- Daily rates start at €39 per day.
Convenience
- Car2Go has a mobile app that allows customers to search for and book rental cars quickly and easily.
- Cars can be rented for as little as 1 minute or as long as several days, providing added flexibility for customers.
- Car2Go allows customers to park the car in any legal parking spot within the Car2Go Home Area.
Sustainability
- Car2Go has a fleet of Smart cars, which are more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly than larger vehicles.
Expansion and Rebranding
Car2Go was initially launched in Germany and has since expanded globally to include more than 30 cities in North America, Europe, and Asia. In 2019, Car2Go merged with BMW’s car sharing service, DriveNow, to form a new company called Share Now. Share Now offers a fleet of vehicles from both Car2Go and DriveNow.
2. DriveNow
DriveNow is a car sharing service operated by BMW and Sixt, offering a fleet of BMW and Mini vehicles for rent by the minute, hour, or day. The service provides a “free-floating” pricing model, with rates starting at €0.31 per minute, €0.39 per kilometer, or €79 per day. DriveNow’s fleet includes a variety of BMW and Mini vehicle options, and the service provides 24/7 customer support and roadside assistance.
Unique Features
- Access to a large fleet of BMW and Mini vehicles that are known for their quality and comfort.
- The ability to park the car in any legal parking spot within the DriveNow Home Area, which covers most major cities in Germany.
- Fuel and insurance are included in the rental fee.
Pricing
- Per-minute rates start at €0.31 per minute.
- Per-kilometer rates start at €0.39 per kilometer.
- Daily rates start at €79 per day.
Convenience
- DriveNow has a mobile app that allows customers to search for and book rental cars quickly and easily.
- Cars can be rented for as little as 1 minute or as long as several days, providing added flexibility for customers.
- DriveNow allows customers to park the car in any legal parking spot within the DriveNow Home Area.
Sustainability
- DriveNow has a fleet of BMW and Mini vehicles that are known for their fuel efficiency and sustainability.
3. Flinkster
Flinkster is a car sharing service operated by Deutsche Bahn, offering a fleet of vehicles for rent by the hour or day. The service provides a “station-based” pricing model, with rates starting at €1.50 per hour or €27 per day. Flinkster’s fleet includes a variety of vehicle options, and the service provides 24/7 customer support and roadside assistance.
Unique Features
- Access to a large fleet of vehicles, including cars, vans, and trucks.
- The ability to rent vehicles from designated Flinkster stations, which are located in major cities and other locations throughout Germany.
- Fuel and insurance are included in the rental fee.
Pricing
- Hourly rates start at €1.50 per hour.
- Daily rates start at €27 per day.
Convenience
- Flinkster has a mobile app that allows customers to search for and book rental cars quickly and easily.
- Cars can be rented for as little as 1 hour or as long as several days, providing added flexibility for customers.
- Flinkster allows customers to rent vehicles from designated Flinkster stations located throughout Germany.
Sustainability
- Flinkster’s fleet includes a variety of fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly vehicles.
4. Stadtmobil
Stadtmobil is a car sharing service operated by a cooperative of regional car sharing organizations, offering a fleet of vehicles for rent by the hour or day. The service provides a “station-based” pricing model, with rates starting at €2.50 per hour or €19 per day. Stadtmobil’s fleet includes a variety of vehicle options, and the service provides 24/7 customer support and roadside assistance.
Unique Features
- Access to a large fleet of vehicles, including cars, vans, and trucks.
- The ability to rent vehicles from designated Stadtmobil stations, which are located in major cities and other locations throughout Germany.
- Fuel and insurance are included in the rental fee.
Pricing
- Hourly rates start at €2.50 per hour.
- Daily rates start at €19 per day.
Convenience
- Stadtmobil has a mobile app that allows customers to search for and book rental cars quickly and easily.
- Cars can be rented for as little as 1 hour or as long as several days, providing added flexibility for customers.
- Stadtmobil allows customers to rent vehicles from designated Stadtmobil stations located throughout Germany.
Sustainability
- Stadtmobil is a cooperative of regional car sharing organizations that are committed to sustainability and reducing the environmental impact of transportation.
Conclusion
Car sharing is a convenient, affordable, and sustainable transportation option in Germany, offering a range of benefits for individuals and the environment. With its extensive public transportation network, dense urban centers, and strict environmental regulations, Germany is an ideal market for car sharing services. By exploring the best car sharing options in Germany, you can find the right service
