The programme uses the Bluecars developed by the French group and manufactured by Italian automotive company Cecomp, which are in service in the Autolib car sharing service in Paris.

The service already has 25 stations live with up to five cars at each. Future plans will see 200 stations and 500 electric cars implemented.

Charges are offered on a sliding scale. One-day plans are available, standing at $8 for 20 minutes then $0.40 per minute. One-week plans cost $9.99 and reduce the charge to $7 for 20 minutes and then $0.35 a minute. Charges fall to $6 for 20 minutes then $0.30 per minute on the $19.99 one-month programme while the one-year option costs $9.99 a month and offers charges of $4 for 20 minutes and $0.20 a minute thereafter.

The scheme marks the first time Bolloré, which is responsible for the Source London charging point network, will export its electric vehicle sharing service outside its home market of France.