Are there shared cars in Chengdu?
2 Answers
Chengdu has shared cars, including Soda Mobility, Pandauto, EVCARD, Car2Share, and Gofun Mobility, with Soda Mobility having the largest fleet. Here are the relevant details: Soda Mobility: Officially launched in Chengdu on December 25, 2015, in partnership with Avis, the world's largest car rental company. It quickly started operations based on business needs and scaled fleet management, offering digital car rental services, sharing and time-sharing rentals, premium car services, and autonomous fleet operations. Pandauto: Officially launched in Chengdu on August 31, 2016, using Lifan 330EV new energy vehicles. Through an intelligent car-sharing model, it aims to reduce urban traffic congestion, lower carbon dioxide emissions, and improve vehicle recycling efficiency.
I've been living in Chengdu for a few years and found that car-sharing services are indeed available and quite convenient to use. Apps like GoFun and EVCARD allow you to rent a car simply by downloading and registering. Choosing a car model, unlocking, and returning the car are all straightforward, usually parked in dedicated parking lots. I often use them for commuting, going to malls, or outings, as the rental fees are cheap, saving me the cost of buying a car and fuel. However, sometimes there are few vehicles available, especially during peak hours, so it's necessary to book in advance. Finding parking spots downtown can be a bit challenging, but the App will navigate you to nearby locations. Overall, the safety factor is high, with insurance and GPS tracking. I think this kind of service is quite popular in Chengdu, especially among young people. I recommend checking the battery or fuel level during your first use to avoid breaking down halfway and affecting your plans.
