Nissan Motor and the city of Yokohama have introduced a round-trip car sharing service featuring the Nissan New Mobility Concept, an ultra-compact electric vehicle which is the badge-engineered version of the Renault Twizy.
The service, “Choimobi Yokohama”, enables users who register online to pick up and return cars in 14 locations around Yokohama Station. Cars can be reserved 30 minutes in advance and can be driven within the city. The service costs 250 yen per 15 minutes plus a 200 yen basic charge, with a maximum daily charge of 3000 yen.
Users need a Japanese driver’s license, a smartphone and a Japan-issued credit card. Registration is available on the Choimobi website. Registrants are required to watch a video featuring the EV’s operating instructions and information on driving safety. The driving area is limited to within the city of Yokohama, and the vehicles are restricted from driving on expressways and highways (with speed limits exceeding 60km/h). 7
Nissan and the city of Yokohama previously conducted a two-year trial of Japan’s first one-way car sharing service using ultra-compact electric vehicles, started in October 2013. The aim was to encourage low-emission transport options, improve the quality of transportation and promote tourism. In October 2015, the partnership began renting cars to local tour operators and businesses.
The new round-trip service is meant to further promote ultra-compact mobility and build a sustainable business model through public-private cooperation. The service will also include guided tours around central Yokohama and long-term car rentals for businesses.
Nissan and the city of Yokohama will continue useability and feasability studies by encouraging various local entities to join the program. As a leader in zero-emission mobility, Nissan continues to seek ways to harness ultra-compact electric vehicles to improve transportation and the quality of life. 
Check out the zero-emission Nissan BladeGlider.
