Renting an electric car has never been easier ...

Duan Xueqiong and Qian Tong

Renting a battery-powered car has been made easier from this month, according to Shanghai International Automobile New Energy Car Operating Service Co.

“Electric car charging poles have been installed at seven service stations among the first batch of 20 stations in Jiading. At each station there will be five to 10 new energy cars for rent, mainly E50 models from Roewe,” said Liu Wenjin, manager of Shanghai International Automobile City’s new energy department.

Liu said cars can be rented for three to six months from 3,000 to 7,000 yuan (US$1,140) a month depending on different models. For shorter periods the company charges 0.5 yuan a minute.

“It’s very convenient for me to rent a battery-powered car as there are renting stations near my home and company,” real estate agent Guo Wei said. The first 100 electric cars have already been rented out.

“The electric car is economical, environmentally friendly and noise free, very suitable for campus,” Wang Lei, a teacher at Tongji University, said.

Q: What is the lease procedure?

A: First you should register as a member at the store through the evercard website or a mobile app. Then make a reservation and get your membership card. Go to the outlet store to take the car. Use your card to start the car and you can return it at any of the outlets. Recharge the car and make payment.

For reservations or more information, call 400-920-8050 or log on to the website www.evcardchina.com.

Q: What is time-sharing lease?

A: Time-sharing lease is a new vehicle leasing mode. It indicates that different renters can use the same vehicle at different time and pay for lease hours.

Q: Lease modes

A: Long-term leasing targets institutions and enterprises that need vehicles for business. Leases should last for at least six months and charges are from 3,000 yuan to 7,000 yuan according to vehicle types.

Time-sharing leasing caters to individuals and enterprise members for temporary use. You can rent any time at 30 yuan an hour.

Mixed leasing combines the two modes, suitable for enterprises requiring vehicles frequently.

Q: Notes for vehicle use

A: Check the vehicle first, cut off the electricity with your card before unplugging the cord from the charging pole. The keys can’t be taken out of the vehicle after the door is opened. Don’t speed or turn on the high beam light for a long time. The membership card can only be used to open or close the door. It cannot be used for settlement. If you park the vehicle outside the evercard outlet, the charging continues. When you return the vehicle, park it at the charging pole and make the settlement by clicking the key “I want to return the car” through the website as long as the car can be recharged normally.

Q: Driving notes

A: Loosen the key after the engine starts and don’t draw it out during driving. You should restart air-conditioning and other electric appliances after the vehicle starts.

Q: Where is the first batch of recharging spots?

A: The recharging spots are at Automobile City Tower (parking lots No. 28-32, B1 garage, 888 Moyu Road S.), Jiatinghui (outdoor public parking space at 1055 Moyu Road S.), development company (parking lots No. 1-3, on the left of the front door of the company at 569 Anchi Road), Liuli Creativity Park (2 parking lots on the north of the front door at 355 Liuli Zhongxin Road), Anting Culture and Sports Center (parking lot at 621 Moyu Road), Crowne Plaza Shanghai Anting (outdoor parking space at 6555 Boyuan Road) and electric vehicle test center (north of the exhibition center at 7555 Boyuan Road).

Q: What should I do if something is wrong with the vehicle?

A: If there is something wrong with the vehicle, park it at a safe place and call the emergency hotline 400-920-8050. The leasing center will send the helper. In the event of a traffic accident, call the police hotline 110 before calling the emergency hotline. Staff will be sent to deal with the accident.

Q: What kinds of value-added services are available?

A: For time-sharing renters, each vehicle has national standard insurance. For long-term renters, a series of value-added services are on offer, such as Shanghai plate lease, insurance compensation, maintenance and 24-hour customer service.