The difference between the two resides in the fact that car2gether is not actually a car sharing service the likes of which companies like Zipcar made popular. car2gether is web-based ride sharing community for people who simply need a ride.
Daimler will kick off a test of the new program in Ulm, the place where all residents are invited to take part. The program will work something like this: those interested will sign up on the car2gether website for free and then they will be able to enter via a smartphone or PC the starting point and desired destination.
Other car2gether members who have asked for the same ride will be placed together by a computer program, who then lets everybody know what ride is available. The cars used by Daimler, driven by their own driver, will then sweep by and pick up the passenger assigned to them, just like a much more elaborate taxi service.
In other words, the driver of a car2gether vehicle can post his route on the car2gether website and get hooked up with somebody who happens to be going the same direction. A charging system to go is in the process of being elaborated.
Further details on this rather complicated way to hitch a ride will be released soon. Registration for the pilot program begins on September 18.
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