Car Sharing in the Capital of Armenia, Yerevan: The EcoDrive Company

In recent years, Yerevan has shown a growing interest in eco-friendly transportation. Electric carsharing is becoming an increasingly popular alternative to owning a car — both for locals and for tourists. At the moment, there is only one fully operational carsharing service in the Armenian capital — EcoDrive.

What is EcoDrive?

EcoDrive is the first and only carsharing service in Yerevan that offers electric vehicles exclusively. The project focuses on sustainability, green mobility, and user convenience. The company promotes a conscious consumption model: rent instead of own, charge instead of refuel, and forget about maintenance costs.

Cars Available in Yerevan’s Carsharing

EcoDrive’s fleet consists entirely of electric vehicles. Available models include:

• Volkswagen E‑Bora — a compact city sedan;
• Chevrolet Volt — suitable for both city and suburban trips;
• Volkswagen E‑Golf — a compact hatchback ideal for urban driving;
• Fiat 500e — a small electric car perfect for downtown use.

Real-time availability and vehicle selection can be viewed in the mobile app during booking.

How Does EcoDrive Carsharing Work?

EcoDrive operates on a hybrid model that blends features of station-based and free-floating carsharing. Cars can be picked up and dropped off within designated zones around the city, including specific stations and authorized parking areas. This gives users route flexibility while staying within the service’s operational rules.

All steps — from registration to completing a rental — are handled entirely through the mobile app.

Basic insurance is included in the rental price. However, details of the coverage are not publicly disclosed, which can be frustrating for users trying to evaluate the service. In case of an accident, users are instructed to:

• activate the hazard lights;
• call the traffic police;
• take photos of the accident scene;
• contact EcoDrive customer support.

Rental Conditions and Pricing

There are no public tariffs available on the website or in other open sources — pricing is only shown in the app after registration. However, here’s what’s known:

• Charging is free at EcoDrive stations;
• Car wash and insurance are included in the rental price;
• Parking is allowed only in green zones shown in the app;
• Leaving the car at the airport is not permitted, even in paid parking lots;
• Charging must be initiated manually via the app;
• Paid city parking is not included in the rental price;
• Only basic third-party liability insurance is included — no comprehensive coverage (CASCO);
• Service is available to drivers aged 21+ with at least 2 years of experience;
• There is a fine of 3,000 drams for a dirty or trashed car interior.

The lack of public pricing creates a major usability issue and could discourage users from choosing EcoDrive in Yerevan.

Key Aspects of Using Carsharing in Yerevan

The company outlines several specific user rules:

• Driving behavior monitoring: harsh braking, aggressive acceleration, and traffic violations are tracked. Repeated violations may lead to account suspension;
• Low balance on account: the rental will automatically end if your balance runs out — but it’s unclear whether this could leave you stranded mid-trip;
• Accident procedures: follow in-app instructions, do not leave the scene, and do not end the rental until the situation is resolved.

Charging Infrastructure

To support electric mobility, Armenia is building out its charging network:

• EcoDrive provides free access to its own stations;
• EcoCars network offers over 65 DC fast charging points with power up to 160 kW.

These networks make EV use more viable in Yerevan and beyond city limits.

User Experience Drawbacks

Despite its strengths, EcoDrive is still in active development. The following areas could greatly improve the user experience:

• Pricing is only visible after registration. This forces users to share personal data before seeing rental terms — a frustrating experience. Ideally, users should be able to browse cars, pricing, and service zones freely before signing up;
• No full-featured website. There's no unified online platform offering rental rules, FAQs, or a zone map. This lack of transparency makes onboarding more difficult;
• Limited drop-off zones. According to user reviews, ending a rental is restricted in many parts of the city. Cars cannot be dropped off at the airport, not even in paid lots — a clear downside for travelers;
• Local-only service area. EcoDrive currently operates only within Yerevan. Users from other Armenian cities cannot access the service yet, although expansion could greatly grow the user base;
• Complicated sign-up process. Users must upload a passport, driver's license, and proof of residence. This may be unfamiliar or difficult for foreign tourists;
• Login via SMS only — and many foreign numbers cannot receive the SMS, effectively blocking international users from accessing the service.

Conclusion

EcoDrive is an exciting and forward-thinking electric carsharing initiative in Yerevan. The service offers a 100% electric fleet, built-in insurance, free charging, and a flexible rental model.

However, it still feels like a niche, under-the-radar project: it’s not present on English-speaking or tourist-facing platforms, its pricing system lacks transparency, and its operating zone is limited. To truly understand the service, a user must register and test it firsthand.

Website and App Evaluation

Overall, the website is not particularly user-friendly: essential information is hard to find, while nonessential details are abundant.