Four years after the launch of the hugely successful Vélib’, Paris’s self-service bicycle network, Autolib’ makes its debut in Paris. A world first: a network of self-service 100%-electric vehicles throughout the city for the use of Parisians and visitors. No noise, no emissions, no smell: the 3,000 Bluecars developed specifically for Autolib’ are parked at 1,100 stations and are accessible 24/24 thanks to a centralized help system. They are little 4-seater urban cars with an automatic gear box, and an elegant combination of technology and comfort. The
LMP (Lithium Metal Polymer) batteries, also developed for Autolib’, store five times more energy than traditional batteries, with an autonomy of 250 km around town.
Subscription is simple and quick: whether by Internet or in one of the Autolib’ areas, all you have to do is scan a valid piece of identity and driving licence, and present a credit card for the guarantee, not debited. Then, everything is self-service: the pick-up of the vehicle, with your subscription card, the starting-up of the car, and its return, as well as plugging it in for recharging. Young drivers and foreign visitors are welcome; they simply
have to present a driver’s licence and a valid piece of identity.
Subscription prices are designed to suit everyone’s travel needs: 1-day (24 hrs) ‘Découverte’ costs €10 or €15 for a week. Then the actual rental charge costs €7 for the first half-hour, €6 for the second and €8 for every xtra half hour. Finally, an iPhone application makes it possible to take out a subscription, access the map of the stations and availability, and obtain a mine of information on the service.
Martina Schmieder
