Eco-Conscious Traveler? Rent an Electric Car in Paris With Autolib

Launched in October 2011, the Autolib' car rental scheme represents Paris' latest efforts to become a more environmentally sustainable city, with a stated goals of reducing carbon emissions in the city 20% by 2020. Boasting a fleet of over 1,700 electric-powered "blue cars" as of June 2012, the rental program is the city's most ambitious program since it launched bike rental scheme Velib', and allows users who have subscribed to the scheme to borrow a car for short trips in the city of lights, picking up and dropping off the car at any of the dozens of stations scattered across Paris.

You can rent 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and once subscribed, the rental scheme is entirely self-service. A fleet of 3,000 cars will be deployed by 2014.

Is it Worth It?

If you're in Paris for an extended stay (more than a week or two) and need to get around the city by car on select occasions, you might consider taking one of the "blue cars" for a spin, and encourage more sustainable travel in the city along the way. If you're only in the city for a short time, subscribing isn't likely worth the time and effort, and I would suggest using Paris's excellent public transportation-- metro or buses-- instead. In addition, see our page on the pros and cons of renting cars in Paris.

How Does it Work?

To rent an Autolib' car, follow the following steps:

1. You'll first need to subscribe, either by visiting the central office (recommended) at 5, rue Edouard VII (9th arrondissement), or by applying using an electronic verification system at one of the stations listed here. You will need a European or international driver's license, a valid form of personal identification (passport is recommended), and a credit card (Visa or Mastercard).

1. Once you're equipped with your personal membership badge, find a station nearby in Paris, searching by metro or area (see this page for a list).
2. After finding a station, choose one of the available Bluecars and place your badge over the sensor; this should succeed in unlocking the car (you will see a green light come on if the badge works; if not, a red light will flash, prompting you to try your badge again.
3. Next, unplug the connected cable and make sure that it recoils properly before you shut the recharge unit's lid.
4. Once inside the car, snap the ignition key. It's recommended that you verify the battery levels and the car's general condition before heading off. If and when you do note any issues, call the Velib' support center from the rental station before beginning your trip.
5. To return the car, choose any station (not necessarily the one you rented from initially). You will need your badge again to check the car back in. Finally, unwind the connection cable and plug it back in to the car. That's it!
6. If you have any further questions on how the system works, visit the FAQ page at the official site.

Subscriptions, Prices and Contact Information

Subscriptions are available for a day, week, or a year. For a current list of Autolib' rental prices, visit this page.
Showroom and Rental Center: 5, rue Edouard VII, 9th arrondissement (Metro Opera or Madeleine; RER Auber).
Tel: The call center is open 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, and toll-free from within France. +33 (0) 800 94 20 00.
E-mail: contact@autolib.eu
Visit the official website (in English)