A LOCAL company launched an electric car rental service Sunday, allowing residents to have a free test drive through phone and app reservations.

    The e-car rental service will benefit drivers who occasionally drive short distances, and it may replace taxis for some drivers.

    The Jinqianchao Electric Vehicle Leasing Service Co. has built service stations at major transportation terminals such as the Shenzhen airport, Huanggang Checkpoint, Shenzhen North Railway Station and Dongmen Pedestrian Street.

    “If a passenger takes a taxi from Futian Transport Hub to Shenzhen North Railway Station, the cost would be at least 50 yuan (US$8.06). If people rent an e-car, 20 yuan is enough,” said Qiu Yuxuan, executive vice president of the company.

    However, residents have to become a member of the company before they will be able to rent an e-bike. A resident needs to pay a three-year membership fee of 12,000 yuan. They can reserve cars by the hour or by the day. The company charges 20 yuan for the first hour and 6 yuan per hour after that.

    All the vehicles are installed with a GPS system that will guide drivers to the nearest service stations for charging if the cars have less than 20 kilometers worth of charge left. Drivers can also pick up and drop off the e-cars at different stations.

    Before the end of the year, the company will put 1,500 electric cars into service when all 200 service stations are completed.

    Residents can call 3303-5880 or download the Jinqiancaozhuche app to make reservations.

    Beijing implemented a car-pooling system in April by setting up 50 service stations in the areas within the Fifth Ring Road. So far, around 2,000 new energy vehicles have been licensed. By the end of 2016, the number will expand to 5,000. Shanghai will also promote a similar project before the end of the year. (Han Ximin)