Flexicar

Sharing cars, from Melbourne to Sydney and beyond

Flexicar’s story is one of constant evolution. Founded in 2004 by a group of university friends inspired by Zipcar’s pioneering efforts, Flexicar began as a pilot project called Flo Carshare. The project’s mission was to provide a flexible, environmentally friendly alternative to private car ownership for inner-urban professionals. (The Sydney Morning Herald)

By 2010, Flexicar had grown from a modest start as a station-based operation in Melbourne with just two cars and 10 members to a fleet of 90 cars and 2,500 members throughout Melbourne and Sydney. This growth earned Flexicar recognition, including a Telstra Business Women’s Award in 2009. In 2010, Flexicar won an award for Transportation, Warehousing and Logistics from the Banksia Environmental Foundation.

When Hertz Australia acquired Flexicar in late 2010, it marked a new chapter. The acquisition provided resources for further expansion. By 2018, Flexicar had expanded to over 300 cars in Melbourne, with small fleets in Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth. As of 2024, Flexicar operates in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra, and Hobart. (City of Gold Coast)

Future-Proofing Car Sharing: Navigating Tech Challenges at Flexicar

Flexicar faced several challenges in its early years, particularly with its technology infrastructure. Initially, members used RFID-enabled keycards on a 2G network, connected to a booking system created by Flexicar’s team. The setup was user-friendly and popular with Flexicar’s customers, but operating it was time-consuming — it would take at least a week from when the user signed up to the moment they received their keycard via mail. Having an in-house IT team to build and manage the booking system gave Flexicar control over the user experience, but hardware compatibility with the vehicles they wished to put into service was a constant struggle, and implementing changes took longer than desired.

In 2017, Flexicar transitioned to pin-pad systems that were mounted inside the corner of vehicles’ windshields and operated on a 3G network. Forgoing a keycard sped up the onboarding of new users and added convenience, but it also presented new challenges. Flexicar faced issues ranging from vehicle battery drain to limited functionality in areas with poor reception. The system’s rigidity also made it hard to make changes and add new features or offer new types of services to customers. Finally, the support team for the system was 12 time zones away and not as responsive as Flexicar would have liked.

“We realized that to stay competitive, we needed to future-proof our entire operation. It wasn’t just about solving today’s problems, but preparing for tomorrow’s opportunities.

With the discontinuation of 3G on the horizon and ongoing issues with their existing system, Flexicar needed a more reliable and scalable solution – and they turned to INVERS for their in-vehicle telematics solution coupled with the development of Flexicar’s own backend software system and user app. This provided for the required flexibility, reliability and scalability on the vehicle side along with the desired flexibility on the business side.

The INVERS Solution: Future-Proofing Car Sharing with Flexicar

In 2022, Flexicar overhauled its technology infrastructure, partnering with INVERS to implement the CloudBoxx system. The transition to INVERS’s CloudBoxx was a pivotal step in Flexicar’s strategy for future-proofing car sharing operations. A pilot ran from February to April 2022, testing various options and configurations of the CloudBoxx, including keyed and keyless solutions, key holder, and RFID card reader. Complete installation across a fleet of 520 vehicles completed months later.

The new CloudBoxx system brought a host of improvements:

• Improved operational efficiency: Previously, Flexicar had to replace 5-6 dead batteries on a typical Monday, with some batteries draining just two weeks after being replaced. Now, they only need to make one or two battery replacements per week. The CloudBoxx is specifically designed to preserve vehicle batteries for extended periods of idleness, ensuring more reliable performance and reducing the frequency of replacements.
• Transparency and control: INVERS’ FleetControl software offers enhanced transparency with more filters for deep-diving into data and preventative maintenance, such as monitoring low battery levels. The data is comprehensive and filterable, catering to the specific needs of each team member. This allows individuals like Aleem and Scott to access precise data insights customized for their roles, whether it is fleet usage or vehicle health status, to effectively and efficiently carry out their jobs, identifying potential issues before they become problems.
• Expanded vehicle compatibility: INVERS supports a diverse range of car makes and models. This allows Flexicar to offer 20 models across 8 brands, including the Polstar 2, to its customers, knowing that future vehicle models will be supported too. The INVERS vehicle-agnostic platform has been a game-changer for Flexicar, as enthusiastically noted by both Scott and Aleem. It has opened up exciting new possibilities, particularly in the realm of electric vehicles. This technological leap has allowed Flexicar to introduce the latest electric models to their fleet — an advancement that would have been unattainable with their previous telematics system.
• Accuracy and real-time data: Improved accuracy and real-time data lets Flexicar charge customers for tolls much quicker than before. They can also keep better track of vehicle health, get more insights into vehicle trips and incidents, and better understand customer demographics in new areas.
• Field Operations Improvement: The SmartControl app streamlines work for cleaners, maintenance crews, and other field staff by providing managed, temporary remote and keyless vehicle access.
• No Keys in the Car: No keys mean no lost keys, reducing costs and headaches. Being at the forefront of technology, being able to access cars via app is a cool sell to their customers.

Superior Support for Car Sharing Success

Flexicar sought alternative solutions partly because the lack of support from their previous provider. With a support team located 12 time zones away, timely and effective assistance was a constant challenge. Flexicar aimed for a fully automated service, which would be impossible without confidence in both the hardware and the support level.

INVERS offered a comprehensive solution that included not only cutting-edge technology but also exceptional support. Recognizing the importance of hands-on training, INVERS provided resources, regular meetings, and in-depth training for both Flexicar’s team and their local installer. This ensured a smooth transition to the CloudBoxx system.

To further strengthen the partnership, INVERS’s Vancouver-based support team made two trips to Australia to meet with Flexicar’s operations, maintenance, and installation teams. This direct interaction ensured that Flexicar’s transition to the new system was smooth and efficient, cementing INVERS as a reliable partner committed to Flexicar’s success.

Future-Ready Car Sharing Platform

The INVERS CloudBoxx technology isn’t just built for today; it’s designed for the future. Its modular design offers unparalleled flexibility and agility, essential for adapting to market changes, integrating cutting-edge technologies, and staying ahead in the competitive shared mobility landscape.

“This new system has future-proofed our entire brand,” Scott enthuses. “We’re now ready and able to make changes as needed, investigating issues more thoroughly and quickly than ever before.”

With CloudBoxx, Flexicar has leaped into the future, ensuring they remain at the forefront of innovation and customer satisfaction.

Lesson and key takeaways

Flexicar’s journey offers valuable insights for the car sharing and rental operators:

1. Embrace change: Don’t fear technological hurdles; they can be the key to long-term success.
2. Think ahead: Choose flexible, scalable solutions that adapt to future needs.
3. Leverage accurate, real-time data: Informed insights lead to better decision-making and improved customer service.
4. Prioritize strong partnerships: A dependable partner gives you the confidence to innovate.

In the world of car sharing, Flexicar isn’t just along for the ride – they’re in the driver’s seat, steering confidently towards a brighter, more connected tomorrow.

Looking for scalable solutions to grow your fleet? Reach out to us today or check out other success stories on our website.