What is carsharing

Carsharing is a modern form of transport that allows you to drive a car without owning one. It works mainly in cities where traffic is heavy, parking is expensive, and owning a car often costs more than it serves. With a shared car, you only pay for what you actually use - no worries about maintenance, insurance, or servicing. Carsharing creates more space in cities for bike paths, bus lanes, more greenery, and better quality of life. When people share cars, the number of vehicles needed drops significantly.

Carsharing is a smart choice for anyone who drives less than 14,000 km per year. Below this threshold, sharing is usually cheaper, not only financially, but also in terms of time and convenience.

In households that use carsharing, costs for car mobility arise only when the shared car is actually used. Unlike car-owning households, those who use shared cars can choose the most cost-effective and convenient mode of transport for each trip. More often than you might think, that means cycling, taking the bus, or using the train. Data shows that carsharing users drive less frequently and opt for sustainable alternatives more often than the average population. They change their mobility habits, especially when they give up their private car. Carsharing therefore contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from transport.

Why do people choose carsharing?

The main advantage is flexibility. You have a car whenever you need it and when you don’t, there’s nothing to worry about. You can rent a spacious station wagon for a family trip, a stylish or utility vehicle for a work trip, or a small city car for a quick errand. Choosing the type of car based on your current needs is something you can’t do with your own vehicle.

Plus, one shared car can replace up to 20 private cars. This means less crowded streets, more available parking spaces, and cleaner air. Because shared cars are used more efficiently, this mode of transport is also more environmentally friendly.

What types of carsharing exist?

There are several types of carsharing, mainly differing in how booking works and who owns the cars.

Roundtrip carsharing

You book the car in advance and return it after your trip, either to a fixed location or within a defined zone. This system is offered by services like Autonapul. It’s ideal for planned trips, longer journeys, or weekend getaways. Booking in advance guarantees the car will be available when you need it.

Free-floating carsharing

You can pick up and drop off the car anywhere within a city. Booking in advance is not possible. This type is suitable for quick city trips. The price per minute tends to be higher.

Peer-to-peer carsharing

Car sharing between individuals via a platform. It’s mostly used for longer rentals, for example, an entire weekend. It’s not suited for short city rides and requires in-person handover, which reduces convenience.

Which type of carsharing replaces the most cars?

Studies show that roundtrip carsharing, where cars have designated parking spots, is the most effective. Users tend to fully replace private car use and often combine carsharing with public transit or cycling. For example, one Autonapul car can replace 15 to 20 private cars.

In 2019, a study by Jan Evangelista Purkyně University confirmed that Autonapul’s shared vehicles replaced more than 500 private cars in Czech cities. More than 70% of Autonapul users do not own a car at all.

Who is carsharing ideal for?

It’s great for individuals, families, or companies who:

• want a car only when they really need it,

• occasionally need an additional vehicle,

• transport bulky items or travel outside the city,

• want to drive modern, safe, and eco-friendly cars without the hassle.

You can also easily try out an electric or hybrid car without buying one.

Carsharing history in Czechia

Carsharing is not ride-sharing or taxi service. Nor is it a classic car rental. On the contrary, it complements public transport, trains, shared bikes, and scooters. It’s often used by people who commute by bike or public transport, but need a car for weekend trips or intercity travel.

The first Czech carsharing service was launched in 2003. Autonapul started as a grassroots initiative and now operates in several Czech cities. Since then, several commercial services have emerged, especially in large cities.

The industry is now represented by the Czech Carsharing Association, which supports sustainable mobility and negotiates carsharing parking policies with municipalities.

Other transport options

Carsharing works well alongside other types of transport. In Prague, this is well mapped by the Čistou stopou project.

Public transport is especially important in large cities, it can cover most of residents’ transportation needs.

Cycling also deserves special mention. Most Czechs own a bike, and for regular commuting, it’s often the healthiest and most eco-friendly option. Then, you only need a car on weekends or for longer trips. In Czechia, cycling is promoted by newsletters like Kolem na kole or the Urbancast podcast.

Carsharing users also tend to use shared bikes, like Rekola, or electric scooters.

For intercity travel, trains are a comfortable option. Autonapul has partnered with Czech Railways in the CD Points bonus program, where users can exchange points for shared car vouchers.

Want to know if carsharing is right for you?

Register here and try it in real life. You may find that you can live without a private car and breathe and live just a bit easier.