As bike-sharing services catch on in Beijing, the city has officially launched its first car-sharing pilot program, which would put 600 new energy vehicles on the streets of Shijingshan District.
The pilot program is a joint effort between Shijingshan District government and Beijing Automotive Group Co., Ltd. (BAIC Group). According to the plan, the district will reserve about 10 percent of the its parking spaces for shared cars and direct existing public parking space to upgrade and renovate portions for car-sharing use.
Designated parking areas for shared cars will mainly be placed around business districts, office buildings, large residential communities and transportation hubs. Within three years, the authorities plan to optimize parking resources, make better layout of parking spots and gradually improve the operation network, striving to cover the district with shared cars.
According to the organizers, BAIC Mobility Co., Ltd. (a subsidiary of BAIC Group) will launch BAIC's two types of new energy vehicles including EX200 and EU260, which are accessible on its short-time vehicle rental platform. Going forward, more types of vehicles will be put into market according to demand.
As the pilot program launches, Shijingshan District has finished planning for 48 parking areas and nearly 400 exclusive car-sharing parking lots.
The first batch of 200 shared cars are now available for use. Customers can rent the cars at one parking area and return them at another.
BAIC will gradually increase the number of parking areas, parking spaces and shared cars.