China’s love-affair with the car has caused the country to suffer some of the world’s worst air quality.
But now an innovative car vending machine has been unveiled in Hangzhou in Zhejiang Province, south-eastern China, that could help combat the problem. It is a specially-designed parking lot that can hold up to 300 vehicles, which can be rented on the spot by members of the car share service.
For less than £2 an hour commuters can rent one of these Chinese-made vehicles – the Kandi EV – using a membership card, which is then lowered down to them, fully-charged and ready to drive.
Then with the push of a button, commuters can drive away in an electric car operated by Kandi Technologies.
The wee-sized cars – manufactured by Volvo's owners Geely – reach a top speed of 75mph and can travel for around 50 miles per charge.
Once their journey is done, drivers just have to drop off their rented motor at the nearest station.
City officials said that having EV sharing stations located across the city will provide more convenient transportation options for both citizens and tourists in Hangzhou.
Since the launch last year, Kandi has opened two EV vending machines in Hangzhou, and also has plans to open another 10 this year, expanding into more populated cities such as Beijing and Shanghai.
Methinks, all traffic-congested cities in Asia should have this facility.
District 85’s Dr. Peter Thong was at the WIM Toastmasters meeting last Tuesday as the General Evaluator besides also evaluating me as a speaker – I did my second Advanced speech from the Speaking to Inform manual – my third round of ACB – and I can only agree with those who attended the said meeting when they said it was a good speech. I was voted Best Speaker after all. I would give this meeting a score of 4 over 10. [Note: District 85 encompasses China].
