The Ideal Way to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

car2go is an intelligent response to the environmental concerns and traffic congestion challenges of a fast-growing urban area like Vancouver. The idea is quickly proving itself to be a groundbreaking mobility concept that redefines transportation in urban areas like ours. The car2go car sharing model, used alongside existing public transportation, specifically SkyTrain routes, bus routes, and rideshare alternatives, serves to substantially reduce the emissions and congestion common in dense urban cores. Long term, the car2go concept will play an important role in keeping Vancouver the most livable city in the world.

Blue and White Makes Green

The unique car2go vehicles are the most fuel-efficient non hybrid or electric vehicles on the road today. In fact, a car2go emits 2-3 times less carbon emissions than conventional vehicles¹. One of the ways car2go is reducing fuel consumption and emissions is through the use of solar cells on the roof of all its car share vehicles. With power of 100 Watt, it is the most powerful solar roof to be fitted as standard in a car, and it is fully integrated in the on-board electrics. The solar energy produced in this way is used to supply power to the telematics, and also to continually charge the car's battery. This allows the alternator to be decoupled while driving and the fuel consumption can be reduced. In addition, if the vehicle is parked in the sun, solar energy is used to power the ventilation system, which can reduce the temperature in the interior. This not only adds to the comfort when a customer gets into the car in summer, but also reduces the burden on the environment, because the air-conditioning system needs to expend considerably less energy to cool the car down, thus reducing fuel consumption.

Furthermore, the car2go concept improves the area's overall vehicle utilization ratio while reducing vehicle ownership. Privately-owned vehicles are generally used only 1-2 hours and sit idle for the majority of the day, whereas a shared car2go will provide, on average, over 4 hours of utilization. With an extensive network of free floating vehicles, car shares like car2go can reduce the amount of vehicles on the road from 4-10 vehicles per shared car.

car2go's linkages with public transit hubs and central skytrain stations offers "on-demand" fuel efficient mobility options that complement public transportation. Our network helps close the gaps commonly associated with public transit commuting and it is a practical and affordable alternative to the hassles and rising economic and social costs associated with vehicle ownership.

Do your part to help keep Vancouver green by becoming a car2go member! It's a great first step in enjoying a better quality of life and sustainable living. Every membership results in a donation to a community based initiative, so sign up today.