The advent of technological advancements has significantly impacted the lives of humans, including how we commute. Gone are the days when owning and driving a car or taking public transportation were our only options for mobility. Today, car sharing has revolutionised the way we travel, thanks to the application of several cutting-edge technologies. Indeed, technology has been the driving force behind the rise of car sharing over the last decade, providing individuals and businesses with all the benefits of having a car without the hassle of owning and maintaining one. The technologies utilised for car sharing range from software services to custom-built hardware.
Cloud-based computing stores and manages data on available cars, reservations, and customer usage.
Web and mobile-based platforms allow customers to locate, reserve, and pay for a car online or using an app.
Smart cards, RFID proximity credentials, and biometric authentication enable customers to easily unlock cars without keys.
Data analytics help car-sharing companies track demand and optimise pricing based on customer behaviour and preferences.
Mobile technology allows customers to book cars, receive reminders, and access information about the car they are renting.
Payment for the service can be done online via credit card transactions, which allows for convenience and transparency.
Technology facilitates communication and allows for a helpdesk to provide support to hosts and potential customers.
Also read: Drive lah launches brand new experiences and products to accelerate car sharing in Singapore
Cloud based computing
One of the key technologies powering car sharing is cloud-based computing. The cloud enables the storage, access, and management of massive amounts of data. Car-sharing providers use the cloud to store information about available cars and related costs, track reservations and customer usage, and log bookings. The cloud also provides a platform for users to access car-sharing services via web-based apps and share cars with others. The primary software used for car sharing is a web and mobile-based platform. This platform allows customers to locate, reserve, and pay for a car’s use online or using an app on their mobile device.
Unlock car without keys
Furthermore, car sharing is made possible through a variety of hardware components. Many companies have implemented smart cards, RFID proximity credentials, or other technology that allows customers to unlock a car without needing keys. Guests can instantly book, locate, and unlock cars in their neighbourhood through their phones. This type of hardware is durable and able to store tons of information. Car-sharing technology comprises a sophisticated web-based system that facilitates the rental of vehicles on an on-demand basis, providing an alternative to traditional car rental. For example, a user of Drive lah Go can use the mobile app to search for available vehicles in their area, book the vehicle, unlock it, and start their journey. Some car-sharing services even require their customers to use biometric authentication, such as fingerprint or facial recognition, to verify their identity before accessing the car.
Check out Cars under Drive lah Go. Unlock and Go!
Valuable data insights
In addition, technology has enabled car-sharing companies to obtain valuable data analytics. By collecting data on customer behavior and preferences, these companies can track demand in certain parts of the country, identify popular vehicle choices, and optimize pricing based on that data. They can also tailor more specific offers to customers, becoming more customer-centric and offering the most relevant services in terms of vehicles and locations. In addition to this type of software, hardware such as a variety of sensors is used to detect tampering, and data trackers can be used to track the vehicle in real-time.
Locate the car at ease
This allows the car-sharing service to constantly be aware of the car’s location and usage, particularly during high usage periods. GPS trackers are used to ensure that the car is not driven out of its boundaries, such as only allowing some cars available on Drive lah to cross over to Malaysia from Singapore.
Another key technology behind car sharing is mobile technology. Smartphones make it easy for customers to book a car, receive reminders about upcoming trips, and access detailed information about the car they are renting. Mobile technology also allows car-sharing companies to monitor cars remotely, giving them the capacity to switch on vehicles remotely or unlock cars with a tap of the screen. With apps, it’s possible to check the user’s background and reviews before renting the car, which helps ensure the safety and security of both parties involved in the transaction. Payment for the service can be done online via credit card transactions, which allows for more convenience and transparency.
Improved communication
Moreover, technology has played a crucial role in communication purposes, such as liaising with the host about the meet-up point to hand over the car keys. The use of technology allows for a helpdesk to be set up to provide support to hosts and potential customers. With the aid of this technology, customers would have more confidence in renting a car as they know that there is always a platform to obtain help and support. Through communication and GPS tracking, car-sharing providers like Drive lah can offer 24/7 road assistance to resolve any issues which customers may encounter during their journey. This ensures that users have a safe and hassle-free experience while using the car-sharing services.
Sustainable option
One of the main benefits of car sharing is that it offers a more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional car ownership. With the growing concern over climate change and the need to reduce carbon emissions, car-sharing companies are playing a significant role in promoting sustainable transportation. By enabling people to share cars rather than owning them individually, car sharing helps reduce the number of vehicles on the road, thereby reducing traffic congestion and air pollution.
Cost effective solution
In addition to the environmental benefits, car sharing also offers economic advantages. It provides a more cost-effective solution for people who only need to use a car occasionally. Car-sharing services allow people to rent cars on demand, which is a more affordable option than purchasing a car outright, particularly for those who do not use cars regularly. Car sharing also eliminates the need for maintenance and repair costs, as these are the responsibility of the car-sharing provider.
The rise of car sharing is transforming the way we think about transportation. Technology has played a significant role in this transformation, making car sharing more accessible, convenient, and affordable than ever before. With the advent of new technologies like cloud computing, mobile technology, and data analytics, car sharing companies can offer better services to their customers, tailor their services to meet specific needs, and operate more efficiently.
As we move towards a more sustainable future, car sharing will continue to play an essential role in promoting sustainable transportation. The combination of technology, environmental awareness, and economic benefits has made car sharing an increasingly popular transportation option. By continuing to innovate and integrate new technologies, car sharing companies will help pave the way for a more sustainable and efficient transportation system for years to come.
