Mobile Toilet Shared Cars
The term 'mobile toilet' originated from the sanitation issues caused by user misconduct during the operation of shared cars, while the core reason for the exit of shared cars is the flaws in their business model and operational difficulties.
User Misconduct Leads to the 'Mobile Toilet' Label
During the operation of shared cars, the uncivilized behavior of some users has resulted in poor sanitation conditions inside the vehicles. For example, phenomena such as finding excrement in the trunk or cabin, chewing gum stuck to seats, and used tissues hanging from the steering wheel occur frequently. These behaviors not only damage the interior environment but also increase the platform's cleaning and maintenance costs. Although such incidents are not the primary reason for the exit of shared cars, the term 'mobile toilet' intuitively reflects the public's negative impression of the sanitation issues in shared cars and reveals the dilemma of uncontrolled user behavior in operations.
Business Model Flaws Are the Core Reason for Exit
Shared cars belong to the heavy-asset industry, with significant flaws in their cost structure. The costs of vehicle purchase, depreciation, insurance, operation and maintenance, and charging station配套 (supporting facilities) are high, while the low unit price paid by users (e.g., 15 yuan per hour) is difficult to cover operational costs. For example, if the average daily usage frequency of a shared car does not reach a certain threshold, the platform will remain in a loss-making state for a long time. Additionally, limitations in usage scenarios, such as scarce parking spaces, short battery life of new energy vehicles, and inconvenient charging, further weaken their competitiveness. The contradiction between user demand and the supply side makes it difficult for shared cars to form a sustainable profit model.
User Misconduct Exacerbates Operational Difficulties
In addition to sanitation issues, the malicious use of shared cars by some users (e.g., dismantling parts, off-road driving) accelerates vehicle wear and tear and shortens their service life. Such behaviors not only increase the platform's maintenance costs but also trigger a trust crisis between users and the platform. For example, difficulties in defining responsibility after vehicle damage lead to an increase in user complaints, a reduction in platform services, and a further decline in user experience, forming a vicious cycle.
The Exit of Leading Enterprises Marks the Decline of the Industry
After 2019, leading enterprises such as GoFun, Togo, and EVCARD gradually exited the market due to broken capital chains and service reductions. The failure cases of these enterprises indicate that the shared car industry is difficult to sustain operations after the withdrawal of capital and eventually fades from public view. Their exit is not only a direct result of business model flaws but also a reflection of the market's natural selection of heavy-asset, low-return industries.
