Lynk & Co has just introduced the 02, its first fully-electric vehicle (EV). But this isn’t just another sleek electric car with impressive range and fast charging—though it has those too. The 02 is built around a unique concept: car-sharing.
Lynk & Co is shaking up the traditional car ownership model, offering a vehicle that owners can easily share with others while potentially earning money. It’s an approach that challenges the conventional, often idle, car ownership experience and instead turns your vehicle into a shared resource for family, friends, or anyone willing to pay for the privilege.
Car Sharing: The Future of Ownership?
At the heart of the Lynk & Co 02’s appeal is its seamless integration of car-sharing technology. Imagine owning a car that doesn’t just sit unused in your driveway for most of the day but instead works for you. Lynk & Co allows 02 owners to rent out their vehicles to other users through its dedicated app.
You can set your own price, add restrictions (like “no pets” or “no smoking”), and rent it out when you’re not using it—like on weekends or evenings. In cities like Amsterdam, Lynk & Co owners are already lending their 01 plug-in hybrids for around €7 to €12 per hour.
This peer-to-peer car-sharing model isn’t just a way for owners to offset the costs of their vehicle—it’s also a way to reduce urban congestion. By sharing cars, fewer vehicles are needed to serve the same number of people, cutting down on parking congestion and idle cars in city streets.
Lynk & Co’s unique “sharing strap” next to the steering wheel makes the process even easier, launching the sharing app with a simple pull, so you don’t need to fumble with your phone. It’s this kind of simplicity that sets the 02 apart from traditional car-sharing platforms like Turo or Getaround, which often require more manual coordination.
EV Specs That Compete
While the sharing feature makes headlines, the Lynk & Co 02 doesn’t skimp on the specs that make an EV desirable in the first place. Built on Geely’s Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA), the 02 houses a 66 kWh battery, delivering up to 277 miles of range (WLTP) on a single charge.
This makes it more than capable of handling long trips or daily commutes in a densely populated European city with plenty of public charging infrastructure.
Charging speed is another area where the 02 impresses. The 02 can charge from 10% to 80% in just 30 minutes using a 150 kW DC fast charger, perfect for quick top-ups on longer journeys. For home charging, the 02 offers a few options.
Using a standard AC home socket, the car takes 7.5 hours to fully charge. However, opting for the pricier “More” trim reduces that time to just 4.5 hours, making it convenient for overnight charging.
In terms of performance, the rear-mounted motor cranks out 272 horsepower and 253 lb-ft of torque, taking the car from 0 to 62 mph in a brisk 5.5 seconds. While it’s rear-wheel-drive only, the 02’s handling is nimble and responsive, making it a great fit for city streets or winding European roads.
Comparing it to the Competition
In the competitive EV market, the Lynk & Co 02 stands up well against rivals like the Volkswagen ID.3, the Peugeot e-3008, and the Renault Scenic. The 02’s range of 277 miles is solid but falls just short of the Skoda Elroq’s 347-mile range.
However, Lynk & Co seems to be banking on its superior digital connectivity and user-friendly sharing features to win over drivers.
When it comes to price, the 02 starts at €35,495 ($39,000), which puts it in the same ballpark as these competitors. The 02 Core trim offers 19-inch wheels, heated steering, and adjustable heated front seats as standard, while the premium “More” trim adds 20-inch wheels, a 360-degree camera, and a 22 kW onboard charger.
While these features may not seem groundbreaking compared to the competition, it’s the car-sharing capability and Lynk & Co’s focus on connected tech that really set the 02 apart.
Cool, Fun Features That Stand Out
Lynk & Co has incorporated some playful and practical features into the 02 to give it a unique personality. The “Hey Honk” feature replaces the traditional horn with customizable sound options that interact with pedestrians and other road users in a friendlier way.
This fun, user-friendly feature was inspired by customer feedback, with many saying they preferred a less aggressive way to communicate on the road.
Another standout feature is the selfie camera, integrated into the rearview mirror. Whether you want to capture a memory from a road trip or take a selfie mid-journey, the 02 makes it easy. The vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality is another practical addition, allowing you to charge external devices, like e-bikes or power stations, directly from the car.
The 02 also features advanced connectivity options, including 5G, over-the-air software updates, dual wireless phone chargers, and remote climate control. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support are available via an OTA update shortly after the car is delivered.
Sustainability and Manufacturing
Lynk & Co is serious about its environmental credentials, with the 02 being produced in factories powered entirely by renewable energy. They’ve also implemented blockchain technology to track the materials used in their batteries, ensuring that they meet ethical and sustainability standards.
The company offers lifetime battery support, including repairs, refurbishing, and recycling, reducing waste and extending the useful life of their EVs.
This focus on sustainability aligns with a growing trend in the automotive industry, where manufacturers are looking beyond just reducing emissions during driving and thinking about the entire lifecycle of the vehicle. Lynk & Co’s emphasis on ethical material sourcing and renewable energy use shows a commitment to a greener future.
Car Sharing: A Solution for Urban Spaces?
The concept of car sharing isn’t new, but Lynk & Co’s approach is making it much more seamless and accessible for everyday drivers. The company’s app-based sharing system eliminates the awkwardness of traditional car-sharing services, where coordination and key exchanges can be a hassle.
By integrating the sharing feature directly into the vehicle with the “sharing strap,” Lynk & Co has made it incredibly easy to lend out your car when it’s not in use.
The 02’s sharing model could be especially appealing in densely populated cities where owning a car is often more of a burden than a convenience. Parking spaces are limited, and many cars sit unused for large portions of the day.
By encouraging car sharing, Lynk & Co is addressing these urban challenges while also helping owners offset the cost of their vehicle. It’s a smart, forward-thinking model that could catch on as cities continue to prioritize reducing congestion and lowering emissions.
Lynk & Co’s Expansion Plans
Lynk & Co isn’t stopping with just a handful of European markets. The company currently operates in seven countries—Sweden, Netherlands, Germany, Spain, Italy, France, and Belgium—but plans to expand to 22 European markets by the end of the year. First deliveries of the 02 are expected by December, with more regions to follow.
Though Lynk & Co has made significant strides in Europe, there’s still potential for expansion into other markets. As electric vehicles continue to gain popularity and the sharing economy becomes more entrenched, Lynk & Co’s unique approach to car ownership could appeal to drivers worldwide.
Charge Complete
The Lynk & Co 02 is more than just another electric vehicle—it’s a reimagining of what car ownership can be. With features like built-in car-sharing, playful details like the “Hey Honk,” and cutting-edge connectivity, the 02 offers a fresh take on the EV experience. And with solid range, quick charging, and practical design, it’s positioned to compete with some of the biggest names in the EV world.
Whether you’re looking to share your car for extra income or just want a feature-packed EV with a unique twist, the Lynk & Co 02 is here to redefine what it means to drive an electric car.
