Volkswagen WeShare fully-electric car sharing service launched

Volkswagen has introduced a new app-based car sharing service that will use a fleet of exclusively electric vehicles.

WeShare initially launches in Berlin with 1500 Volkswagen VW e-Golf models, which can be rented by the minute using a smartphone. The fleet will expand with 500 Volkswagen e-up! cars early next year, and the brand’s upcoming electric ID 3 hatchback will join the scheme later in 2020, once the first customers car deliveries have begun.

The launch joins similar services from other manufacturers, including BMW and Daimler, that focus on the emerging trend of urban mobility.

Customers will download an app and use their smartphone to unlock and start a WeShare car, with payments made digitally. Users must have a German address, be over 21 years old, and have held a driving license for at least a year.

An introductory price of 19c per minute will be in place until September, when hire rates will increase to around 29c per minute.

The service won’t use fixed rental stations, instead relying on Berlin’s existing electric infrastructure. The city currently has more than 800 charging points that are powered by renewable resources. VW has also partnered with German supermarket chains Kaufland and Lidl to install 140 rapid charging points at 70 stores across Berlin, with exclusive charging rights for WeShare cars overnight while the stores are closed.

“Supermarkets are the filling stations of the future,” Christian Senger, VW’s head of Digital Cars & Services, said. “Charging while you shop is the ideal solution, for private consumers and for us.”

Initially, Volkswagen will use a service team to ensure cars are charged. Later, users will be incentivised to charge the cars themselves.

WeShare has been in testing for three months already using a smaller fleet of 400 cars and around 2500 customers, to a largely positive response. The service will be integrated into VW’s ‘Volkswagen We’ digital ecosystem, which also includes We Park digital parking payments and We Deliver, a service that allows delivery drivers to unlock your car’s boot to leave parcels inside.