In recent years, the practice of sharing means of transport has continuously increased, especially with regard to cars. The primary advantage recognized by users of the so-called "sharing mobility" is that of being able to pay for the car only for its actual consumption.
In the landscape increasingly oriented towards the sustainability of mobility, two options emerge as promising alternatives to the traditional use of the car: car sharing and car pooling. But which of these options is best? Let's explore together the key differences and distinctive benefits of both practices.
What is Car Sharing?
Car sharing offers a flexible approach to mobility, allowing users to rent vehicles only when needed. With services like E-VAI, for example, it is possible to access a wide choice of collection points inside and outside the Lombardy capitals and then travel throughout the European Union and Switzerland, thus providing an opportunity to travel also to the advantage of citizens who live far away from the metropolises and the most populous cities. In fact the 115 collection stations E-VAI they cover an area of approximately 400 square kilometers in Lombardy, and are all connected to the main stations and the 3 airports, all through an application.
In general, flexibility is the strong point of car sharing, since users only pay for the actual time of use.
What is Car Pooling?
On the other hand, carpooling places emphasis on ride sharing. Whether arranging rides with colleagues or participating in services like BlaBlaCar, carpooling aims to reduce the number of vehicles on the road by sharing spaces and costs. This approach is not only eco-friendly but also offers significant economic savings.
Advantages and key differences between Car Sharing and Car Pooling
Both options boast significant benefits. Car pooling, for example, reduces environmental impact and offers financial savings by sharing fuel and parking costs. On the other hand, car sharing reduces the need to own a vehicle, contributing to less car production and, consequently, a smaller overall ecological footprint.
The main distinction between the two options lies in their goals. Car sharing is designed to provide pay-as-you-go access to vehicles, while car pooling aims to maximize ride sharing. Payment models vary, with car sharing based on time of use and car pooling on cost sharing.
So, which one to choose?
The choice between car sharing and car pooling can affect your daily life in different ways. Car sharing offers immediate flexibility, ideal for those who only need a vehicle occasionally. On the other hand, carpooling requires more careful planning but can create social bonds and reduce stress related to driving.
The decision between car sharing and car pooling therefore depends on personal needs and preferences. If you are looking for a flexible and immediate solution, car sharing could be the right choice. However, if you want to reduce your environmental impact and save money, carpooling could be the way to go.
E-VAI, beyond simple Car Sharing
In addition to flexibility, as already mentioned, E-VAI manages to have a very positive impact on environmental impact and personal finance.
The fleet of E-VAI consists mainly of electric cars, which include electric charging. This aspect, added to the access to restricted traffic zones and free parking on blue and yellow lines in large cities, aims to provide a significant economic advantage to its customers' pockets, not to mention the promotions always active. The objective is to increase knowledge and awareness of the logic of sharing mobility for an increasingly sustainable future.
