PRACTICAL TEST

For our Car-Sharing test, we went to the beach and into the city on Sunday morning. This took us from Amsterdam to The Hague and back. With various providers, it is possible to start the booking in one city and end it in another. This was also the case with our test.

0.50 a.m.: When opening the app, a message appears stating that the nearest available car is a five-minute walk away.

10.55 a.m.: Arrival at the car, which can be opened directly via the same app. The app shows that the range will be sufficient for the planned journey. We can set off straight away.

12.05 p.m.: 67 km further on in Scheveningen, the car can be parked directly on the beach. The rate is calculated per minute so that highway trips are significantly cheaper than city trips. The consumer is expected to plug the car into a charging station after the journey if possible. If this is not done, an additional charge for transportation costs is levied if the remaining range is less than 15 km.

4.30 pm: After a walk along the beach and through the city, the return journey is scheduled for 4.30 pm. There are several cars available in the city center of The Hague next to the shopping street. There is no need to go back to the beach or change parking spaces, we can simply choose another car and drive off.

5:20 p.m.: 62 km further on, the car is parked outside the door at home and the booking is ended again. The keys remain unused in the glove compartment and the car is logged out again via the app. Billing is by credit card, which is stored in the account.

The total cost for the day is €24.80 for the outward journey and €22.05 for the return journey. In return, you drive a modern electric car at no extra cost. The advantages are clear, the degree of flexibility is very high and the journey is comfortable and practical. The main saving is on parking, as this is already included in the rate and would have cost almost €20.00 (5h*€3.90) if you had driven your own car.