The project has been developed by Milton Keynes Council, Hertz on Demand, the Hertz Corporation’s global car sharing club, and charging point installer Chargemaster plc.

The car club will initially launch with a fleet of five Nissan LEAFs. These can be booked by Hertz on Demand Car Club members – either over the phone, using the iPhone app or by visiting www.hertzondemand.com – for a £5.00 hourly rate that also includes insurance, maintenance, cleaning and roadside assistance.

Michael Taride, president of Hertz International, said: ‘It is a pleasure to work with Milton Keynes Council in offering these great car sharing benefits to residents and business in Milton Keynes.  This partnership highlights the growing popularity of car-sharing in communities seeking green solutions which are both convenient and cost-effective. The other attraction of this scheme lies in its simplicity – members can just click, book and drive away.’

Drivers will also automatically gain membership of the POLAR national charging network operated by Chargemaster, which offers over 100 POLAR charging points in Milton Keynes and within 20 miles of the town. 

David Martell, chief executive of Chargemaster plc, added: ‘Users will have the benefit of being able to charge their cars at many places across the region and nationally through the POLAR charging network making everyday usage a viable proposition. This scheme will further help familiarise people with electric vehicles and encourage an increase in their adoption.’