Configuration of a vehicle for use in a vehicle reservation network

A plug-in vehicle electronics module for use in vehicle sharing systems, comprising a power supply and a housing that contains:

• a keyfob circuit that includes a radio frequency (RF) transmitter, wherein the keyfob circuit is configured to transmit one or more radio signals to a passive entry passive start (PEPS) module of the vehicle when the keyfob circuit is powered;
• a short-range wireless communication (SRWC) circuit that is separate from the keyfob circuit;
• a microcontroller;
• and
• memory communicatively coupled to the microcontroller, wherein the memory stores a computer program;
• wherein the vehicle electronics module is connectable by the power supply to an auxiliary power source on a vehicle;
• and
• wherein, when the vehicle electronics module is connected to the auxiliary power source, the microcontroller operates under control of the computer program to cause the vehicle electronics module to:
• establish a short-range wireless communication (SRWC) connection with a personal SRWC device using the SRWC circuit;
• authenticate the personal SRWC device in response to receiving authentication information over the established SRWC connection;
• and
• in response to the successful authentication of the personal SRWC device:
• power the keyfob circuit, wherein the powering of the keyfob circuit causes a passive entry passive start (PEPS) module to unlock a vehicle door of the vehicle;
• and
• enable a vehicle user to start a primary propulsion system of the vehicle.