Car2go, the world's fastest-growing free-float carsharing service, is bringing its its on-demand, "free-floating" network of 400 affordable, eco-friendly vehicles to Chicago beginning July 25.

The carshare model differs from other carsharing services currently operating in Chicago in that Chicagoans will be able to make one-way trips without having to pick up or return car2go vehicles at fixed locations or by a certain time. Members have instantaneous access to a fleet of several hundred shared vehicles and can end their trip in any approved space within car2go's Home Area, including residential permit areas and car2go designated parking spaces. 

The borders of the Home Area are clearly identified in the car2go app.

"Chicago is a global leader in transportation innovation and this new pilot program will help us stay at the forefront while supporting our commitment to providing safe and reliable ways to get around Chicago," Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel said in a statement. 

Recent researchalso proves that car2go's free-floating model helps mitigate traffic congestion, reduces air pollution, and integrates with other transit and sustainable transportation options.

Car2go members can view, reserve and access car2go vehicles via car2go's mobile app, which is available on iPhone and Android smartphone devices.

Chicagoans can register today for free by using the code CHI2018. They'll also receive $15 in car2go credit. Offer valid through August 23 after which car2go members only pay a standard one-time $5 sign up cost, in addition to their use of the a car2go vehicle – whether that be by the minute or by using the Trip Package that works best for them.

Fuel, parking, insurance, and maintenance are all included.

In 2017, car2go grew its global customer base by 30 percent to 2.9 million members, and today the service boasts 3.3 million members worldwide. car2go members rented car2go vehicles 24 million times in 2017. 

In March, 2018 Daimler AG – car2go's parent company – and BMW Group agreed to combine their mobility services to form a new joint-venture mobility powerhouse offering seamless access to on-demand mobility services including free-float carsharing; ride-hailing; parking; electric vehicle charging; and multi-modal trip services. Today, car2go and BMW DriveNow/ReachNow operate a total of 20,000 vehicles in 31 major international cities and have a built-in customer base of over four million customers combined.

Competition authorities are currently reviewing the proposed joint venture.

Related: car2go's White Paper Highlights Electric Carsharing