EARTHCAR Car Sharing Review 2026: Free Monthly Fee? Compare Costs & User Feedback

Verification Status: This article is based on publicly available information (no actual trading or usage by the editorial team).

"Even though I barely use my car, I'm still spending over 30,000 yen a month on parking and insurance—it's just too wasteful..." For Kenta Tanaka (pseudonym, age 30), a company employee living alone in Tokyo, the decision to keep a car for weekend shopping and a monthly drive had been weighing on him for nearly six months. That's when a friend mentioned, "There's a car-sharing service that's free monthly," and he began looking into it with a mix of skepticism and curiosity—the "Affordable Car Share: EARTHCAR." This article thoroughly examines EARTHCAR's true cost-effectiveness and usability from Tanaka's perspective, based on publicly available information.

Conclusion: EARTHCAR's biggest appeal lies in its zero monthly fixed cost, free usage for distances up to 10 km, and a wide range of vehicles from minicars to sports cars. It's a service best suited for those who primarily need short-distance errands or pick-ups/drop-offs and want to enjoy driving cars they normally can't.

Is It Really Okay with No Monthly Fee? The Mechanism and Appeal of "EARTHCAR"

Image source: carshare.earth-car.com (Official Website) — Cited for identification of the reviewed service

The first thing Tanaka wondered was a simple question: "How can they run a business with no monthly fee?" EARTHCAR is a platform-type car-sharing service. Instead of the operating company owning all the vehicles itself, it uses a system where vehicle owners install their cars at stations, and users rent them. This means the operating company doesn't have to bear the full cost of purchasing and maintaining vehicles, allowing them to offer a fee structure with completely free membership and monthly fees.

Usage fees are pay-per-use, meaning you only pay for what you use. The fee structure is summarized below:

Looking at this table, Tanaka realized, "For a round trip of about 8 km to the local supermarket, the distance charge is free. If I only pay the time charge of ¥1,000~ for 6 hours, even using it four times a month would only cost around ¥4,000." Compared to the over ¥30,000 a month he used to spend on owning a car, this is less than one-tenth of the cost.

EARTHCAR's appeal isn't just the price. Everything from booking to unlocking/locking and payment is completed through a single smartphone app, so there's no need to carry a special card, and you can start using it from the day you register—a major advantage for busy office workers. Additionally, since you can pick up and return cars at unmanned stations available 24/7, it's also suitable for sudden late-night trips. The convenience of not having to return the car with a full tank of gas and being able to refuel using the gasoline card provided in the car is also reassuring for first-time car-sharing users.

Furthermore, EARTHCAR's lineup is extremely diverse, ranging from compact cars to luxury imported cars, sports cars, and even campers. This allows for flexible use, such as "using a minicar for daily shopping and occasionally taking a convertible for a drive." Tanaka began to see car-sharing not just as a "means of transportation" but as an "extension of his hobby," thinking, "It would be fun to drive a manual transmission car I dreamed of in my student days, even if just once a month."

Comparison Table: How is EARTHCAR Different from Times Car Share and Company B? A Detailed Look at Pricing, Vehicle Options, and Usability

"But is it really a better deal compared to other car-sharing services?" Tanaka decided to look into the pricing of Times Car Share, a leading car-sharing service, and a major Company B. The table below compares the basic fees of each company.

From this comparison, Tanaka became confident based on his own usage patterns. "If I'm only using it a few times a month for local shopping or driving to a slightly distant park, EARTHCAR, with its ¥0 monthly fee and free first 10 km, offers the lowest cost. It has fewer stations than Times, but there's an EARTHCAR station a 5-minute walk from my home, so it's no problem."

On the other hand, he also realized that Times Car Share, with its highly consistent vehicle management, is better suited for people who want to rent cars all across the country or who always want clean, new cars. Since Company B costs ¥980 per month, which is more than EARTHCAR, EARTHCAR's advantage is clear for Tanaka, whose usage is low-frequency and short-distance.

"A ¥0 monthly fee and free first 10 km is perfect for how I use it." Tanaka decided to make EARTHCAR his top choice and look into it further.

Analyzing Real User Reviews: "Best Value for Money" vs. "Dirty Interior" – The Truth

After checking multiple review sites, EARTHCAR's reputation is clearly split between two main camps. Here's what users are actually saying.

First, a large number of users highly praise its excellent cost performance. On one review site, comments included:

"If you hit the right time window, the value for money is unbeatable! But I'll focus my review on the two Aqua cars at Kita-Narashino station, which is closest to my home." (Minhyo)

"Cheaper than other services and you can drive for longer. Unlike a monthly subscription, you only pay for what you use, which is a great deal." (Multiple review sites)

The convenience of the smartphone app also stands out in many reviews:

"Unlocking the car with the app feels futuristic and is super convenient. You can do everything with just your phone." (Multiple review sites)

"No stress about not making it back in time for the return. You can take your time running errands." (Multiple review sites)

Furthermore, many users enjoy the variety of car models available:

"I love Earthcar for making such wild and fun cars available as car-sharing. And the value for money is unbeatable." (A car-sharing comparison article)

On the other hand, there are negative reviews that can't be ignored. The most common complaints relate to vehicle cleanliness and maintenance.

"The interior of the car wasn't properly cleaned. The call center's response was also poor." (A car-sharing comparison article)

"The condition of the tires. The manufacturing date was over 4 years old, and there were noticeable cracks on the shoulder. Can they really guarantee the safety of a car lent out to others?" (Minhyo)

These issues stem from the fact that EARTHCAR is a platform-based service, where vehicle management is left to the individual owners. It's true that the condition of stations and cars varies. We have to say that this service is not for people who expect "a spotless, brand-new car" every time. However, you can mitigate this risk to some extent by checking reviews for specific stations beforehand or choosing a different vehicle if you have concerns.

Another point of criticism is the strict cancellation policy. EARTHCAR charges 100% of the fee for cancellations made on the day of the reservation, so you need to be careful if your plans might change suddenly. Cancellations made the day before are free, so if your schedule is uncertain, it's best to book just before you plan to use the service.

Overall, the majority of reviews praise the cost performance and convenience, while a minority express dissatisfaction with cleanliness and maintenance. Tanaka concluded: "There might be some hit-or-miss stations, but the reviews for the station near my home are generally good. If I can drive a car for a few thousand yen a month, I can accept a little bit of risk."

Step-by-Step Guide from Registration to Use! Start Today with Just Your Smartphone

After deciding to use EARTHCAR, Tanaka pulled out his smartphone. The process from registration to actually renting a car is surprisingly simple.

1. Install the App: Download the "EARTHCAR" app from the App Store or Google Play. It's free.
2. Register as a Member: Register your credit card information and driver's license details within the app. The required fields are basic—just your name, address, date of birth, etc.—and it takes only a few minutes to complete.
3. Head Office Verification: Your registration details are reviewed. Since verification may take time, if you want to use the service immediately on the same day, we recommend contacting them in advance. Tanaka planned to use the service on the weekend, so he completed his registration on Wednesday with plenty of time to spare.
4. Registration Complete: Once you receive a confirmation email, you're ready to go.
5. Reservation: In the app, select a station from the map, choose the vehicle you want, and specify the date and time to make a reservation. Availability can be checked in real time.
6. Start Using: When your reservation time arrives, simply turn on your smartphone's Bluetooth in front of the vehicle and tap the "Unlock" button in the app. Retrieve the key from the key box inside the car and drive off. When returning, park the car in the designated spot, put the key back in the key box, and tap "Return" in the app—done.

This entire process requires no waiting for a dedicated card to arrive or be mailed—it's all done with just your smartphone. As Tanaka thought, "This way, I can use it whenever I want, on a whim. Since there's no monthly fee, there's no harm in just registering for now."

Who EARTHCAR Is For (and Who It Isn’t)

Based on the information above, Tanaka is convinced that EARTHCAR is a good fit for him. So, let’s break down exactly who EARTHCAR suits best, and who might be better off with another option.

Who EARTHCAR Is For

• People who don’t want a fixed monthly cost: With no membership or monthly fees, you pay ¥0 in months you don’t use it. You can rent only when needed without worrying about upkeep costs.
• People who mainly do short-distance errands or pick-ups/drop-offs: Since the distance fee is free for the first 10 km, short trips like going to the local supermarket or station can keep costs to a minimum.
• People who want to try cars they wouldn’t normally drive: Manual transmission cars, sports cars, camper vans—vehicles that are usually hard to own—can be rented easily for a fun experience.

Who EARTHCAR Is NOT For

• People who always want a clean, new car: Because the cars are managed by individual owners, the level of cleanliness and equipment can vary. If you expect consistent service quality, a major car-sharing service is a safer bet.
• People who want one-way drop-offs: EARTHCAR requires you to return the car to the same station where you picked it up. Since one-way trips aren’t allowed, it’s not suitable if you want to drop the car off at your destination.
• People without a station near their home or workplace: Stations are mainly concentrated in urban areas and are still limited in rural regions. First, check the official website to find your nearest station.

Tanaka confirmed that EARTHCAR perfectly matches his needs: mostly short-distance use, a focus on zero monthly fees, and the occasional chance to drive a sports car.

Frequently Asked Questions

We’ve compiled the questions and concerns that came up during Tanaka’s research on EARTHCAR. You should find answers to your own doubts and questions here.

Q: Is it really okay that there’s no monthly fee? A: EARTHCAR is a platform-based car-sharing service where vehicle owners manage the cars themselves. Since the operating company doesn’t own the vehicles, it can keep costs low. The business model relies solely on usage fees, so offering a free monthly plan is still viable.

Q: What about insurance coverage if I have an accident? A: Unlimited third-party liability insurance and personal injury coverage of up to 30 million yen are included in the usage fee. Additionally, you can opt for a deductible compensation plan (from ¥110) to reduce your out-of-pocket costs in case of an accident. For details, check the official insurance page.

Q: When do cancellation fees apply? A: Cancellations made on the same day as the reservation will be charged 100% of the usage fee. Cancellations made the day before are free. If you think your plans might change, it’s best to book shortly before you actually need the car.

Q: Can I drop the car off at a different location? A: No. You must return the car to the same station where you picked it up. If you need a one-way service, consider other options.

Q: What do I need to sign up? A: A credit card and a valid driver’s license. You can register directly through the app, so there’s no need to wait for a membership card to be mailed to you.

Q: What if the app isn’t working properly? A: Some user reviews mention issues like login problems, but in most cases, restarting the app or updating your smartphone’s OS will fix them. If the problem persists, please contact the support center.

EARTHCAR is a very attractive car-sharing service for low-frequency, short-distance users, offering a free monthly plan and free usage for the first 10 km. Its wide variety of vehicles is a unique advantage, making it not just a means of transportation but also a great option for those who enjoy driving. However, since the cleanliness and management of vehicles can vary, it’s a good idea to check user reviews before using. Start by looking for the nearest station on the official website, and if you find a car you like, why not sign up with the ease of a free monthly plan? Please note that fees, vehicle availability, and promotions are subject to change. Always check the latest terms on the official website before applying.

Methodology and Disclosure

Verification Method: This article is based on publicly available information confirmed as of -07-21. The editorial team has not personally signed up for or used the services discussed. This content is an explanation based on publicly available information (official websites, third-party reviews, and user feedback). Service details, fees, and promotions are subject to change, so please always check the official website before applying.

Publisher Information: The editorial policy and evaluation criteria for this article are described in the Editorial Policy, and the verification procedures are outlined in the Evaluation Methodology. If you find any errors, please report them via our contact form.

Affiliate Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links, and we may receive compensation at no additional cost to you. Compensation does not affect our evaluation.

Sources

This article is based on publicly available information as of 2026-07-21.

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