EKAR Like Car Rental App Development: 2025 Guide

The world is undergoing a digital evolution, during which car rentals have gained significant popularity. In recent years, the requirement for car rental apps has increased a lot because users now prefer convenience, flexibility, and mobility solutions. Whether it’s for daily commuting, weekend getaways, or much more, users now want rental services to be just one click away.

This change has created an evolution in the car rental industry, moving away from outdated processes and paperwork to touchless solutions. In the pandemic, the growth accelerated further. Users now want apps that allow them to search and reserve vehicles without any third party. These platforms not only increase convenience but also simplify operations. 

According to a report by Statista, it is predicted that by 2030, the UAE's car rental market will generate 87% of its total revenue through online sales, highlighting the importance of digital transformation in this space.

One such car rental app that dominates in this market is Ekar. It provides instant vehicle access, a simple interface, and hassle-free operation, making it a leader. Ekar's growth is an example of how technology can change mobility services. 

So, are you thinking about how to develop a car rental app like Ekar? If yes, then creating an app like Ekar is not an option for businesses but a necessity to enter this market. As users in the UAE now want the top features and functionalities, startups and enterprises must think beyond basic car rental functionality to provide top-notch convenience and security.

This comprehensive guide covers all the essential aspects you need to know before starting a new venture or modernising an existing one. It includes features, tech stack, and the most important car rental development process.

What is Ekar?

Ekar is a car rental app founded by Vilhelm Hedberg in 2016. Being one of the best, Ekar is a leading car-sharing and car rental platform in the Middle East. When you need a car for just a few minutes, a couple of hours, or even several days, Ekar provides the convenience of renting a car directly through their smartphone.

The main idea in a car rental app like Ekar was the very high demand for short-term vehicle access, especially in big cities where owning a car can be expensive for users. After its initial launch, Ekar is expanding to many countries across the Middle East and worldwide and has made a large consumer base. 

Business Model

Ekar works on a convenient rental system, which means offering cars based on minutes, hours, or days. This is best for users looking for a vehicle for a quick meeting, trip, or work. In the app-based solution, the pricing is transparent. 

Vehicle Categories

Ekar’s fleet has a large range of vehicles to fit different requirements and budgets:

• Electric vehicles (EVs) 
• Economy cars 
• Luxury vehicles 

Additionally, through eco-friendly travel, Ekar has saved over 1 million litres of fuel. 

Process of Using the Ekar App

Ekar’s entire service is handled through a mobile application, and the approach to using it is easy to understand:

• Registration: Users can register in the app by uploading a copy of their driver's license and ID for verification purposes.
• Booking: Once finalised, users can look for available cars and select one based on their necessities.
• Driving: The app allows users to unlock and start the car without a physical key.
• Return: After use, the car can be returned to designated Ekar parking zones or drop-off areas.

The contactless vehicle rentals are a significant reason behind Ekar's success, especially in a post-COVID world.

Core Features of a Car Rental App Like Ekar

While developing an app like Ekar for your business, it's very essential to consider all the features that you are going to integrate, which are divided into three categories: user panel, driver panel, and admin panel. Here’s a detailed breakdown of each one of them: 

1. User Panel

This is the panel of the app through which customers connect. 

• Registration & Login

To register, users are required to use their phone number. Additionally, add social login options or an OTP for more convenience and security.

• Profile Setup

Upload a valid driver's license before renting a vehicle. This guarantees that only eligible people can access the cars.

• Search Vehicles by Location, Time, and Category

Users should be able to search for vehicles based on:

-Their selected or current location

-Availability during a specific time period

-Vehicle category (economy, SUV, luxury, electric, etc.)

A live map and filter options help in giving search accuracy. 

• Booking & Reservation System

Once a user selects a vehicle, the booking process should allow for:

-Scheduled or instant reservations

-Transparent pricing and booking confirmation

-Rental duration selection (by minute, hour, or day)

• In-App Payment Integration

The car rental app should be incorporated with numerous secure payment options, which include:

-Credit/debit cards

-Apple Pay and Google Pay

-Prepaid in-app wallet

-Mobile wallets

• Trip Tracking & Management

This feature helps users provide real-time information about the trip, including the time remaining, distance travelled, and the option to extend if desired.

• Customer Support

Provide users with a customer support feature where they can ask questions. It includes live chat, email assistance, and more. To address more questions before opting for support, add an FAQ section for better convenience.

• Ride History & Invoices

Provide a feature in the car rental app for users where they can see past bookings, invoices that can be downloaded, and other information, as it helps build transparency.

• Review & Ratings

Add a feature in the car rental app where users can provide their feedback and ratings for further improvement.

2. Driver Panel

This is the panel where the drivers connect with the app.

• Driver Authorization

Include a feature in the car rental app that allows chauffeur to upload and verify their documents when creating a profile.

• Ride Handling & Management

Give the authority to the driver to handle their trips and accept or decline requests.

• Route Optimization

Optimise maps for chauffeurs to predict the shortest possible reliable route, so that they can do their job smoothly.

• Multilingual Support

Provide a feature in the car rental app where the chauffeur has the choice to choose their preferred language.

• Earning & Order Details

Add a feature in Ekar like app development to show the daily and monthly earnings, as well as how many rides they have completed.

3. Admin Panel

The admin panel is where everything is controlled, like managing users, vehicles, and all the operations.

• Dashboards With KPIs

There should be a dashboard in the car rental app that shows key performance indicators like:

-Number of active users

-Available and rented vehicles

-Ongoing bookings

-Daily revenue and performance trends

• User & Vehicle Management

 In a car rental app like Ekar, admins should be able to manage:

-User accounts (approve, suspend, verify documents)

-Vehicle listings (add, deactivate, monitor usage)

• Booking History & Trip Logs

A feature of all logs of current and past trips helps in dispute resolution, auditing, and performance analysis.

• Vehicle Maintenance Tracking

This feature helps admins to keep track of vehicles that require maintenance or have undergone maintenance. Moreover, add scheduled service alerts that will help reduce breakdowns and improve services.

• Driver KYC Management

Provide a feature where admins can see, approve, or reject driver documents during onboarding. The system should flag invalid or false IDs.

• Revenue & Report Analytics 

 This feature will help in:

-Daily/weekly/monthly revenue reports

-Vehicle-wise and category-wise performance

-Discount usage and promo code impact

• Dynamic Pricing Control

 Admins should have control over:

-Time-based pricing (hourly/minutely/daily rates)

-Surge pricing during high-demand periods

-Promotions or offers

Additional & Advanced Features To Include In the Ekar Like App

To stay ahead in the competitive market, your Ekar-like app must have advanced features that distinguish it from competitors. Here are a few additional features that can give your car rental app solution a competitive edge.

Camera Access

Add an in-app camera functionality that will help users and drivers easily upload their documents without any issues. It will also help in easily uploading pictures of vehicle damage.

CRM 

Integrate CRM in the car rental app because it will allow the app's admins to maintain good relationships with the customers while giving out promotions.

Loyalty & Reward Programs

Encourage users by integrating a loyalty & reward program where users get reward points for their booked services. These points can be redeemed for rides or any exclusive access.

Voice Search Integration

Add support for voice commands to make it easy and simple for users to check for bookings, search vehicles without even typing.

Multi-Vehicle Booking Option

Integrate a feature that allows users to rent multiple vehicles with ease. This is best for group travellers and corporate clients.

Tech Stack Needed To Make an Ekar-like App

To make a car rental app like Ekar, you need the appropriate combination of technologies. 

1. Frontend 

This is the part of the app that is directly seen and used by your customers and admin team. 

• Mobile App Development:

Flutter or React Native: With these tools, you can create an application that works on both Android and iOS. It will save time and cost.

• Web Dashboard for Admins:

-React.js or Vue.js: These technologies will be used to build the admin panel where your team manages bookings, users, and vehicles. 

-These technologies will be used to build the administrator panel where your team manages bookings, users, and vehicles.

2. Backend

The back end of the app handles user accounts, booking, payment, and notifications. 

-Node.js: Best for applications that should work in real time and require quick processing.

-Django (Python) or Ruby on Rails: Perfect option to have in terms of quick development and highly secure apps.

-Firebase: Adds real-time features like instant notifications.

Database:

-PostgreSQL – Strong for handling structured and secure data.

-MongoDB – Good for flexible and scalable storage.

3. Infrastructure and APIs 

These are the services your app connects to for maps, messaging, payments, and so on.

• Cloud Hosting:

-AWS, Google Cloud, or Microsoft Azure: These are platforms to host your app, which helps in making it available online 24/7.

• APIs (Application Programming Interfaces):

-Twilio: It is used to implement OTPs in order to log in and verify users in a secure way.

-Google Maps API: Allows access to the available cars and to follow their journeys.

-PayPal, Razorpay, or Stripe: Safe payment gateways to receive the money from cards or digital wallets.

4. Security and Compliance

Privacy and safety of users' data should be guarded very carefully, and users should adhere to relevant legislations like personal identification and payments. 

-Data handling in accordance with GDPR: Ensures data handling in accordance with a high level of privacy, particularly with the global user base.

-End-to-end encryption: Secures user data and communication from hackers.

-PCI-DSS compliance: Your app must be PCI-DSS compliant when card payments are made to provide security in the payment.

Step-by-Step Car Rental App Development Process 

To create Ekar like app in 2025 requires precise planning and market understanding to create the best app for your business. Let’s discuss each phase of this development process:

1. Market Research

To start the app development process of a car rental app, you need to first understand the geographical area where you plan to operate. This involves knowing the local culture, the requirements for rental services, competitors, and preferred payment methods. 

Additionally, it is important to understand the legal implications prior to making the application, as that is important in order to run the operations well.

2. Collaborate With An App Development Company

After the research and planning phase, find a reliable app development company that can turn your vision of a car rental app into reality. Find a company that uses the latest tech stack and has developed a similar kind of project. Also, look out for their personalised services and reviews because their expertise will define how well your app will turn out.

3. UI/UX Design

The next step is designing the UI/UX of a car rental app like Ekar. Start by mapping out the user journey. This means identifying every screen the user goes through, starting from the registration screen to the car return. 

Next is to create the wireframes. Then transform the wireframes into clickable prototypes, which simulate the car rental app experience before writing any code.

Your design must be clean and mobile-first. One important consideration to keep in mind for the Gulf region is Arabic language support and a right-to-left layout.

4. MVP Development

Now, with the decided features and technology stack, the mobile app development company can build an MVP (Minimum Viable Product) that incorporates only basic features and functionalities. 

Building and deploying an MVP has the primary goal of releasing as fast as possible and testing it with real people to receive feedback. Such preliminary feedback avoids wasting time and money on features that are not necessary for the users.

Once it is live, you can continue to work on improving the app with the feedback and with the reports from the technical side of the performance.

5. Integrations

To operate like Ekar, your app will require several integrations. This will include:

-Payment gateways: You can choose from payment gateways such as Stripe, PayPal, Apple Pay, or local options like PayTabs or HyperPay.

-Notifications: More real-time notifications on bookings, trip start, and trip end can be achieved using the Firebase Cloud Messaging service.

-Maps and navigation: Google Maps is highly recommended for vehicle tracking and route navigation.

All of these systems have to work together in the background without slowing down the user experience.

6. Testing & QA

Before you launch your application, it needs to go through testing to check if it is working as it should be:  

• Functional testing to validate that each feature works as you intended on all devices.  
• Load testing to validate that the application built can withstand the predicted capacity of user activity.  
• Security testing to validate that all data vulnerabilities can be identified and fixed. 
• Simulation tests of bookings and real vehicle movement will allow you to test and validate that the application will work in a live capacity.  

Thoroughly executing these tests will help develop an app that is the best in the market.  

7. Launch & Marketing

Once the Ekar app has been thoroughly tested, it is time to release it to users. Publish the app in the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store.  

After launch, you can promote the Ekar-like app with paid ads, social media, and more. Also, utilise the best SEO techniques to increase your app’s visibility.

8. Post Launch Support

Continuous maintenance of the app is required to ensure that it is working properly. Post-launch steps include:

• 24/7 technical support for resolving issues and allowing users to stay focused.
• Monthly updates to fix bugs and add new features for the app to stay aligned with the evolving needs.
• User feedback loops via surveys, app store reviews, and usage analytics.

Cost of Developing an Ekar-like App in 2025

The cost to make Ekar like app depends on numerous considerations such as branding and styling, application development, regulations, and licensing. Here is a clear breakdown so that you can plan your budget.

Major Cost Factors

• 1. App Complexity

One of the major cost factors is the complexity of the app. A basic car rental app will cost you less, while a fully integrated app with advanced features like AI-based analytics and real-time fleet management will cost you more.

• 2. Design Quality

A clean and simple interface can be very crucial. Hire skilled app developers to build a layout that works smoothly can increase the overall cost to make Ekar like app.

• 3. Backend Infrastructure

The technology that powers your car rental application from the backend also matters. Your app must support real-time booking and live GPS tracking. This backend infrastructure will also affect the cost to develop a car rental app.

• 4. Location-specific legalities

Rules and operational costs differ from place to place and can impact the overall cost. For instance, the Saudi Arabia transport general authority has announced a new rule for car rental facilities to issue electronic contracts by 2025. This shows that each region has its own rules, which can affect the cost.

• 5. Vehicle IoT integration

For incorporating keyless car access functionality, you will need to work with hardware devices such as OBD-II scanners or smart systems. This kind of integration is more costly and often requires coordination with various car manufacturers or hardware vendors.

• 6. Maintenance & Updates

Once you release your app, such as Ekar, you will be required to upkeep the same to provide a better experience to users. It is an ongoing cost that maintains your platform relevant, secure, and free of technical flaws. The following are its major elements:

-Bug Fixes 

-Security Updates

-App Store Updates

-Feature Enhancements

Now, delve into estimated costs by region:

Ekar Like App Development Costs:

Challenges To Build an App Like Ekar & How to Overcome Them

The development and running of an app like Ekar comes with its own set of problems. Some issues might appear in development, while others appear after development. Here is an overview of challenges that might occur and how you can overcome them:

• Real-Time Car Availability Accuracy

The biggest user frustrations in the car rental app happen when booking a car turns out to be unavailable. So, accuracy in car status and location should be non-negotiable.

How to handle it:

-Utilise GPS tracking to predict car location in real-time.

-Automatically update the car status at the beginning or end of a trip.

-EVs should be validated regularly in terms of parked location and battery status.

• Fraudulent Bookings or Fake Users

Some users may try to book with fake identities or unpaid cards. This can result in stolen vehicles, damaged cars, or revenue loss.

How to handle it:

-Incorporate digital KYC during registration.

-To identify suspicious activities, use AI fraud detection tools.

-Immediately block the flagged account and send an alert to the admin.

• Vehicle Maintenance & Damage Tracking

Cars require periodic maintenance. In some cases, users might return the vehicle with minor or serious damage. Tracking this manually for each and every vehicle is difficult.

 How to handle it:

-Connect cars with IoT sensors to track everything like fuel and mileage.

-Allow users to upload return photos and report issues through the car rental app.

-Add a log for every car with a service history and notifications for maintenance.

• Scaling to Multiple Cities

Many car rental startups fail as they expand because there is an increased complexity in the operations of dealing with several locations, various regulations, and larger fleets to handle.

-Develop a cloud-based backend that handles everything from bookings to payments.

-Use a vendor or fleet model to list and manage all vehicles.

-Localise the app language for each region.

• Building Trust with New Users

Getting first-time users to try your app can be difficult in competitive markets where people are used to traditional rentals. 

-Provide first-time discounts and short trials.

-Highlight verified customer ratings within the car rental app.

-Give instant customer support.

Overcoming these challenges from the start will set a strong foundation for your car rental app like Ekar.

How to Monetise an App Like Ekar in 2025?

A car rental business model is about good revenue streams that can make your app successful. Let’s explore how you can monetise your car rental app:

• Service Subscription Plans

Many users now look for an f option where they can pay for services instead of paying for each booking. Subscription plans offer a stable income with customer loyalty.

-Offer weekly, monthly, or weekend plans based on local travel patterns.

-Include benefits like fuel, insurance, and maintenance in higher-tier packages.

• Surge Pricing in Peak Hours

Just like ride-hailing apps incorporate surge pricing in car rental apps as well, when there is demand. 

-Apply surge pricing during holidays, weekends, or major events.

-Notify users about dynamic rates clearly before booking.

• Affiliate Tie-Ups

Your app can become a marketing channel for related businesses. Think of services that your users already need when they rent a car.

-Partner with fuel stations, car wash centres, or insurance providers.

-Promote travel add-ons like parking, toll passes, or service stations.

• Advertisements Within the App

If your app becomes popular, then brands will connect with you to show their ads within your app.

-Show ads for local travel services, food delivery, or entertainment.

-Keep ads minimal and relevant.

• Premium Vehicle Access

Many users want to pay more for luxury vehicles. Offering this option will increase the revenue as the booking price will increase.

-Create a separate premium category in the app with higher pricing.

-Highlight benefits like extra comfort, better mileage, or prestige branding.

Popular Car Rental Apps

Now, let’s discover the most popular car rental apps that are ruling the market worldwide besides Ekar. It is beneficial to know about these car rental apps before creating your own.

• Zipcar: A car rental app like Zipcar allows users to rent a car on demand. Users can book as many cars as they want using the application. This is a convenient alternative to car ownership that offers sustainability. This app is widely used in Canada and the USA.
• Hertz: Besides Ekar, Hertz is also one of the best car rental apps. It provides the functionality to search for a car, book a rental, check order history, and much more. This car rental app, in Kuwait, provides contactless check-ins and add-ons.
• Avis: It is a car rental company in New Jersey that provides cost-effective car rental options. This app offers a lot of car options, either a self-driven or a daily car. It also highly focuses on security, like roadside assistance, child safety seats, and much more.
• Skyscanner: It is a popular travel search engine and mobile app that offers options to find car rentals, as well as book hotels and flights. It is highly used and popular in Los Angeles due to the extra services that attract users.
• Hotwire: It is another popular car rental app that has been doing well in the market. It provides attractive loyalty and reward programs for its users. So, if you are thinking of investing in car rental app development services, now is the right time.
• Udrive: Udrive is a popular car-sharing and rental service app operating in the UAE. It allows users to book cars according to their convenience, for minutes, hours, or days. 

Future Trends in Car Rental Apps 

Sustainability, smart technology, and user expectations are the three main factors that will define the future of car rental apps. Here are some key trends:

EV Fleet Integration

The Middle East Governments are actively promoting electric vehicles to decrease emissions and dependency on fuel.

• Add electric cars to your fleet.
• Highlight charging locations inside the app.
• Offer discounts for choosing eco-friendly rides.

AI-based Dynamic Pricing

AI in rental apps helps set smart prices based on demand, location, weather, and other aspects.

• Utilise AI to balance demand automatically.
• Create custom offers based on user habits.
• Automate overpricing and underpricing based on surge.

Blockchain-based Contract Verification

Blockchain technology in rental app solutions allows secure and tamper-proof records of rental transactions.

• Utilise smart contracts for agreement signing.
• Store rental history and reviews securely.
• Guarantees secure payments without a third party.

Autonomous Vehicle Rentals

Self-driving cars are in the early stages, but they are progressing very quickly. In the future, your rental app should integrate an autonomous car for a restricted area.

• Stay informed on local regulations for autonomous vehicles.
• Provide flexibility and convenience to customers.
• Prepare your backend systems to support an automated trip.

Carbon Footprint Calculators

Environmental awareness is increasing, so rental apps that support sustainable practices will gain an advantage over others.

• Allow the user to check the carbon footprint of each trip.
• Provide rewards for low-emission trips.
• Share sustainability reports to create trust.

Conclusion

In conclusion, since the demand for mobility solutions is increasing in the Middle East, the need for rental apps is also increasing. Now is the right time to create a rental app like Ekar. From knowing the market needs to choosing a tech stack, every phase plays an important role in the success of your car rental app. Furthermore, the cost might vary according to your requirements. 

If you are looking to bring your idea into a top-notch app, then partner with a custom mobile app development company that understands your needs and the local dynamics of the region to develop the best car rental app for your business in 2025. 

If you still have any questions, then get in touch with us today!

FAQs

1. What is the cost to build an Ekar-like app in 2025?

The cost to build an Ekar-like app in 2025 ranges from $20,000 to $150,000 depending on features and scale.

2. Can I start with an MVP version?

Yes, you can start with an MVP version as it is highly suitable for testing the market.

3. How long does it take to develop a car rental app like Ekar?

The time required to develop a car rental app like Ekar is 4-8 months, based on your requirements.

4. Do I need a physical fleet, or can I connect with vendors?

You can make both models work by owning a fleet or allowing third-party vehicle listing.

5. How is car availability tracked in real-time in the car rental app?

Car availability is tracked in real-time through GPS tracking, telematics, and IoT sensors in vehicles.

6. What are the legal requirements for launching the Ekar clone app?

The legal requirements for launching the Ekar clone app require local transport permits, insurance, driver verification, and data privacy adherence.

7. Which payment gateway should I include in my car rental app?

You should include payment gateways like Stripe or Razorpay with PCI-DSS compliance in your car rental app.

8. Can users unlock cars through the app?

Yes, users can unlock the car through the app using smart lock integrations.

9. How can I monetise my car rental app?

You can monetise your car rental app through:

• Subscription plans
• Affiliate tie-ups
• Surge Pricing
• In-app ads

10. Is it possible to launch my car rental app like Ekar in a specific city only?

Yes, it is possible to launch your car rental app like Ekar in a specific city only. Also, if you want, you can scale to other cities as well.

11. How do I ensure users don’t misuse or damage cars through the mobile app?

To ensure that users don’t misuse or damage cars, include:

• KYC
• Trip monitoring
• Terms of service
• Penalities

12. How do I maintain the cars in my car rental app?

To maintain the cars in the car rental app, create scheduled maintenance logs and integrate reminders for service.

13. What are the best countries to launch this business?

The best countries to launch a car rental business are:

• UAE
• Saudi Arabia
• Qatar
• USA
• India
• Indonesia

14. Can I include electric cars (EVs) in my Ekar like car rental platform?

Absolutely, you can integrate electric vehicles (EVs) into your Ekar car rental platform.

15. What kind of support do I need after the launch of the car rental app?

The kind of support you would need after the launch of the car rental app would be:

• Technical maintenance
• Customer support
• Analytics for decisions

16. Do you provide white-label car rental app solutions?

Yes, we provide white label car rental app solutions for businesses looking not to develop apps from scratch.

• P2P Car Rental Marketplace Model
• Online Car Booking System
• Car Rental Marketplace
• Build A Car Rental Marketplace