What is carsharing?

In the same way that Uber challenged the taxi industry, carsharing is an alternative to buying and owning a car. It aims to reduce the number of vehicles on the roads while providing a viable alternative to car ownership, short-term rental cars, Ubers and taxis. Take a stroll down the streets of any major city these days and you’re bound to come across a car branded Mevo or Cityhop.

EV carshare Zilch is added to the mix in Auckland and Christchurch. They are part of a growing trend in carsharing schemes aimed at sustainability, designed to encouraging Kiwis to ditch car ownership in favour of helping the environment.

And local government is empowering and embracing them. When Mevo came to the streets of Auckland, Phil Goff, who was mayor at the time, championed them, saying, “The growth of carshare services supports the huge investment we’re making in public transport to provide reliable, efficient and sustainable alternatives to private vehicle ownership.”

Councils are providing free parking in some areas along with designated parking spaces to make them an even more convenient and attractive option.

Mevo claims that each carshare they put on the road removes 11 private vehicles from the road.

Simple to use

The business of booking and driving one is simple - it’s all done using an app on your mobile phone. You’re guided to the car via Google Maps, Bluetooth unlocks it, and you’re on your way for as long as you need it.

To end the journey, tap ‘End Trip’ on the app, the use is charged to your nominated account, and you’re done It’s a short-term mobility solution that reduces vehicle expenses.

In some cases, travelling from the airport to the city in a Mevo can work out cheaper than a taxi and more convenient. Your car is waiting for you at a designated spot and there’s no need to collect keys, it’s all done through your mobile phone, although there is an extra charge added because of airport parking.

Few limits

There are few restrictions on who can use a carshare. At Mevo, you only need to be over the age of 21 with a valid driver’s licence.

For as little as 90 cents a minute or $17 an hour, you can get a VW Polo or MG, upgrade to an MG ZST for $22 an hour, and a Polestar or Tesla for 90 cents a minute or $30 an hour.

Fuel is included in the pricing, for up to 200km a day, instructions on how to top up are in the Mevo app and it also helps you find and activate fast-chargers to use.

Cityhop is in the main centres but doesn’t have the same high-end offerings of Mevo. On the other hand, they’re cheaper with a starting rate of $12 hourly or 45 cents a kilometre for a Toyota Yaris and $17 an hour will get you a Toyota Hiace Cargo Van. For a more sustainable trip you can book a VW E-Golf for $21 an hour.

Cityhop uses a card system, so once you have signed up you collect a keycard from a collection point, book your vehicle online and off you go.

The vehicles have a fuel card in them, and you are emailed a pin number if you need petrol.

Zilch carsharing takes a different approach and is aimed at public and private sector organisations

Toolbox resources

providing zero emission cars in Auckland and Christchurch. It’s not as prominent in the market as the current main players Mevo and Cityhop. Insurance is included in the cost of the carshare along with options for upgrades in cover.

Apps the answer

Car sharing apps have mushroomed over the last few years. And setting up your own carsharing business is not that difficult. It’s as easy as renting or buying an app and installing the hardware.

ATOM Mobility, for example, provides a range of customised solutions for any sharing business, from renting out your umbrella to kick scooters, a car or a helicopter – pretty much anything you can think of.

Keep up with the wide range of information needed to run a business using the MTA Toolbox.

The Toolbox is a one-stop-shop for members looking for anything from employment contract guidance, through to the latest in Covid information and advice. Go to mtatoolbox.org.nz to find resources, information and answers to your questions.