Pand-Auto launched a new energy car rental business in Chongqing on Nov 11,the liangjiang.gov.cn reported.

Pand-Auto launched its first 300 new energy automobiles at 45 rental centers in Liangjiang New Area on Nov 11. [Photo/liangjiang.gov.cn]

Pand-auto is a subsidiary of Chongqing Lifan Holdings, which manufactures motorcycles and cars.

The service encourages short-term rentals to alleviate parking demands and car maintenance costs. The company uses new energy autos to minimize petroleum consumption and carbon dioxide emissions.

A total of 300 cars are available at the first 45 rental stops in Liangjiang New Area. The company plans to open 100 stops in Chongqing this year, covering the major business areas.

By 2016, there will be 2,000 new energy automobiles available at universities, commercial districts, airports, and other places with dense populations.

"The industrial park has huge demand for cars. Pand-auto will enable them to use cars conveniently," said GaoYu, vice CEO of Lifan Group.

The company offers favorable rates to promote the new services. The first cars in use are Lifan 330 EV, renting for 19 yuan ($3) per hour and 99 yuan per day. The rates are competitive compared with gas-powered vehicles, and can drive 250 kilometers on a single charge.

Pand-Auto has launched an app allowing consumers to order, pick-up, unlock, and return the automobiles. Some people in Liangjiang New Area have already used it.

"We found two cars missing and found out some consumers had rented them," said Wang Peng, COO of Pand-Auto.

By next year, the companies will launch unpiloted services, allowing users to order via mobile phone and wait for the unpiloted cars to arrive.

A user places rents a new energy car by mobile app in Liangjiang New Area on Nov 11. [Photo/ liangjiang.gov.cn]