Nissan and the city of Yokohama have teamed up to offer a large-scale, electric vehicle sharing program. Called “Choi-Mobi”, the program will be the first of its kind in Japan.

The sole model EV carshare choice will be Nissan’s New Mobility Concept, a two-seat ultra-compact EV. The estimated range of the car is over 100 km, top speed is approximately 80 kmph, and it is intended for short trips within the city.

The initial fleet of 30 cars took part in a kick-off ceremony at the Yokohama Museum of Art on October 10. The mayor of Yokohama and representatives from Nissan and Hitachi were in attendance.

Customers will be able to reserve one via smart phone on a booking system developed in conjunction with Hitachi. The start and end points can be any one of 70 designated locations throughout the city, allowing for one-way trips. Rates start at about two dollars per 10 minutes. The fleet will eventually be expanded to 100 vehicles.

Goals for the program include reducing CO2 emissions, easing traffic congestion, and promoting tourism, but Nissan predicts that many people will also use the cars for shopping and other errands. Choi-Mobi will also serve as a pilot program for other regions.

Nissan is headquartered in Yokohama, about 40 minutes south of Tokyo.

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