Autolib'

Autolib' was an electric car sharing service operating in Paris and its surrounding suburbs from December 2011 to June 2018. Inspired by the Vélib' bicycle sharing program, Autolib' aimed to provide an accessible and environmentally friendly transportation option for short-term rentals.

The service was characterized by a network of charging stations where users could pick up and drop off the "Bluecar," a distinctive electric hatchback designed by Pininfarina and manufactured by the Bolloré Group. Users could subscribe to the service on a yearly, monthly, weekly, or even daily basis. Reservations could be made online, via a mobile app, or directly at a station kiosk.

The Autolib' service faced numerous challenges throughout its operation. These included financial losses, high maintenance costs for the vehicles and stations, uneven distribution of cars and parking spots, and competition from other transportation options, such as ride-hailing services and traditional car rentals.

Ultimately, the Syndicat Autolib' Vélib' Métropole, the organization overseeing the service on behalf of the municipalities, decided to terminate the contract with Bolloré in June 2018, citing the unsustainable financial situation of the project. The termination led to the removal of the Bluecars and charging stations from the Parisian landscape. Despite its closure, Autolib' remains a notable example of early electric car sharing initiatives and provides valuable lessons for future urban mobility solutions.