A round-trip car sharing service using ultra-compact electric vehicles has launched in Japan.

Run in partnership between the City of Yokohama and Nissan following a two-year trial, the ‘Choimobi Yokohama’ service enables members 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.

Essentially a rebadged Renault Twizy, the Nissan New Mobility Concept is a two-seater electric vehicle sold in markets including the US and Japan.

The Choimobi Yokohama service costs 250 yen per 15 minutes plus a 200-yen basic charge, with a maximum daily charge of 3,000 yen. Users need a Japanese driver’s license, a smartphone and a Japan-issued credit card. Registration is available on the Choimobi website: https://nissan-rentacar.com/choimobi-yokohama/.