Dutch city dwellers increasingly opt for ±1,900 km shared-car holiday

Dutch city dwellers are increasingly going on holiday with a shared car. According to figures from shared-car provider MyWheels, the number of holiday trips booked with a shared vehicle has increased by almost 150 percent compared to last year.

Shared cars for holiday trips are reserved much earlier than for regular trips. A vehicle for a regular trip is usually booked one day in advance, but a shared car for a holiday trip is reserved, on average, 22 days in advance.

An average trip of 1,900 km

The average holiday trip lasts 13 days and covers an average of 1,900 kilometers. The most popular holiday destinations by car are France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Austria. Norway and Croatia are also becoming popular.

A surprising number of holidaymakers—38%—are already opting for an electric shared car. Cars with much range and loading space are mainly chosen for long journeys, such as the Tesla Model 3 and the Hyundai Ioniq 5. The vast majority reserve an electric shared car for regular trips.

Car-Sharing Provider’s Coalition

MyWheels is the market leader in car-sharing, with the Netherlands’ largest community and the most diverse range of electric shared cars. In June 2022, the company merged with Amber, specializing in car-sharing for the business market. The merger should lead to a sharp increase in kilometers driven per shared car.

In October 2023, five Dutch car-sharing platforms – GreenMobility, MyWheels, Share Now, Sixt Share, and SnappCar – joined forces in the Dutch Coalition of Car-Sharing Providers (Coalitie van Deelauto-aanbieders, CvD). Together, they wanted to promote car sharing and stimulate conversation between the sector, civil servants, politicians, and experts.

Win-win on all levels

Several studies have shown that one shared car can replace between three and eleven private vehicles. So, by sharing cars, the fleet is used more effectively, more open space becomes available in the city, and CO2 emissions are reduced. A win-win on all levels, the sharing companies claim.

Driving MyWheels is easy. Download the app and register. In a few simple steps, you can create an account. Then, choose your location, determine how long you want to rent a car, and filter any additional preferences.

You can open the car with the app and start your ride. You will find all the information you need during the ride in the app. Is your ride over? Then, park the car in the regular parking spot or the zone where you picked it up, and close with the app.

More sustainable

Driving MyWheels says it is easy and more sustainable than driving your own car. Moreover, you only pay for the kilometers you cover. Charging and refueling are included, as is 24/7 roadside assistance and support. You pay from €3.50/hour + €0.37/km without a subscription. The starting rate is €1,50.

With a monthly subscription formula of €10/month, you pay from €3.15/hour  (depending on the car model and comfort level) + €0.33/km. This means you always have a 10% discount on hours and kilometers. With a monthly subscription of €25/month, you pay from €2.63/hour + €0,28/km, or always a 25% discount on hours and kilometers. With a subscription, you don’t pay any starting rates.