A new electric vehicle club is being launched in the Garnock Valley, run by Kilbirnie’s Radio City Association.

The vehicles are being shared by RCA through their mobility hub, using the technology of a unique mobile app meaning there is no requirement for keys to hire the vehicles.

The electric van is available at a starting rate of £2 per hour and electric car at £3 per hour with reduced day and weekly rates.

The operation of the scheme has been developed in partnership with Hiyacar, a leader in peer-to-peer car sharing software.

The project is a legacy of the United Nations COP26 Conference hosted by the UK Government in Glasgow last November, to create a worldwide plan of action on tackling climate change through the Glasgow Climate Pact aiming to restrict global temperature rises to 1.5 degrees.

Supported by the National Lottery Community Fund Together for Our Planet programme, the venture entitled Electric Valley is being operated by longstanding local charity Radio City, expanding upon their work to develop community owned renewable energy assets and securing a “Just Transition” in the local community.

Kate Still, Scotland Chair of The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “I would like to wish Radio City Association the very best of luck with this fantastic new venture as schemes like this will contribute to the wider climate action movement not only in North Ayrshire but in other parts of Scotland. .”

Scott Wilson, of Radio City Association said: “The scheme will assist in the tackling of climate change through reducing the number of cars on the roads with the car share club and increasing active travel through provision of e-bikes alongside the vehicles.

“The new electric car opens a variety of new opportunities as part of our Electric Valley strategy for the local community. This is particularly important given the announced withdrawal of local bus services, and the poor provision of public transport in general.

“We are also working to create a Mobility as a Service (MaaS) transport app that will allow for increased mobility in the Garnock Valley and exploring several options beyond the hire scheme to support wider objectives.”