Despite numerous setbacks since the closure of Autolib' in 2018, car-sharing in Île-de-France could be on the verge of a comeback. The Île-de-France region is preparing to roll out a new ambitious scheme featuring no less than 5,000 freely accessible vehicles for short- and medium-term rentals. This initiative aims to transform mobility for residents of the region by 2027.
It was in June 2018 when the iconic blue electric cars of Autolib' finally disappeared from the streets of Paris and Île-de-France. Since then, several operators have attempted to carve out a share of the car-sharing market, but none quite managed to replicate the success of Bolloré’s original service. Zity, the Renault group's offering, particularly threw in the towel after just three years of operation. What did users miss the most? Those coveted dedicated parking spots and the ability to reserve in advance—two key advantages that made Autolib' so popular.
Unlike the Autolib' system, which allowed users to pick up and drop off vehicles at various locations, this new car-sharing service will operate on a "loop" basis. In practice, this means you'll need to pick up and return the vehicle to the same spot. This approach is more similar to the models offered by providers like Getaround or Virtuo.
Valérie Pécresse, President of Île-de-France Mobilités (IDFM) and regional councilor, announced on Wednesday evening that an official call for tenders will be launched by the end of 2026. The exact locations of the new stations will be determined in collaboration with local officials throughout 2026, paving the way for a gradual rollout of vehicles starting in 2027.
The rollout will unfold in two phases. Initially, 500 vehicles will be introduced across the Île-de-France region in 2027. Ultimately, IDFM plans to expand its fleet to 5,000 vehicles, surpassing the number of Autolib' cars, which totaled nearly 4,000 according to their 2016 activity report, as mentioned in Le Monde.
This fleet will include a variety of vehicle categories to meet varying needs: compact cars for city driving, midsize vehicles suitable for families, and even utility vans for those requiring transport of larger items. The specific type of propulsion has not yet been announced, but a significant share of electric vehicles is expected, aligning with the region's environmental goals.
For Valérie Pécresse, her goal is simple and ambitious: to enable Parisians to do without buying a car and to help those in Île-de-France avoid having to purchase two, or even three vehicles, to facilitate mobility for both spouses and their children. This vision addresses a genuine issue in the Île-de-France region, where owning a vehicle is costly — from the purchase and insurance to parking and maintenance.
This new car-sharing service in Île-de-France is part of a broader effort to reduce the reliance on private cars in urban areas, while providing a complementary mobility option alongside public transportation. If all goes as planned, residents of the region could start using this alternative as early as 2027. To learn more about the story of Autolib' and stay updated on this new initiative, visit the official IDFM website.
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