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| Audi A2 photo by Audi |
At Incoming BYTES, we believe it appropriate to offer cutting criticism and poke sharply at questionable events, issues and projects, especially where justifiable criticism is earned.
It is equally an excellent idea to point out the clever, intelligent and the good. Well, good things very worthy of note are happening in Paris, the City of Lights.
Paris will be the first city in the world to offer a major car-sharing program. Yes, you read it right, a car-sharing program. Paris has had a successful bicycle-sharing program for three years and has cleverly decided to pioneer a car-sharing program featuring compact electric cars.
How smart is that? Very.
Initially, some 3,000 4-seat electric cars will be located at 1200 docking locations throughout the city of Paris. Pick it up here, and leave it there. Reserve the car in advance, drive all over, and return it to any station handy. The driver needs the mandatory driver’s license and an annual subscription and security deposit.
How much more clever could that concept be? The program will be operational by the end of 2011. The City of Paris is to be congratulated on their foresight and progressive plan.
Way to go, Paris !
Removing 3,000 gasoline-driven vehicles from the streets is a sound environmental initiative.
Electric vehicles are clean, quiet, and efficient. Battery technology can only get better. The newest battery technology by a German company, DBM Energy, allows an electric vehicle to be charged fully in 6 minutes or less and driven 375 miles at 55mph. That should be enough range for almost everyone. The ‘rent and drop at any location' is inherently clever.
This is better than just a “good” idea. It is an idea whose time has arrived.
Now all we need are a few clever Canadian and Americans entrepreneurs to “discover” the concept and put it into action. Hopefully, action that will be coming to a city near you –and the sooner the better.
