China's ride-hailing companies try to quell the smell in cars where some drivers sleep

BEIJING — You're on the move in China's capital. You've just booked a ride through a ride-hailing app and, in no time, it seems, a sleek new electric vehicle pulls up to whisk you away.

Sometimes, though, not everything goes so well. Occasionally, once inside the car, a rank or funky odor assails your nostrils.

After your ride, as you rate your driver, your app asks you: "Was the car smelly?" You click yes, and a broken heart emoji appears.

"Most taxi drivers whose cars smell bad actually live in their cars," explains 36-year-old driver, Shao Wei. "I can understand them. They just want to save some money to help their families live a little better."

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