Brighton and Hove has been selected to pilot the UK’s first "Airbnb style" electric vehicle sharing platform.

It will allow people to use registered cars for short or long-term periods.

Organiser Zoom EV said statistically cars sit idle for at least 95 per cent of the time but this will mean EV owners can earn revenue from their EVs when they are not being used.

Comprehensive insurance coverage for EV usage is embedded within the platform and provided by Churchill Expert, part of UKI Group which owns Direct Line Group and Churchill.

Owners register for free, add their electric or plug-in hybrid car’s information including photos, set prices and availability for the vehicle to be used.

Owners can accept or reject bookings and they just need to meet their guest to hand over the keys.

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Users register with their driving licence and can search the online map and book time slots through the platform. Once confirmed, they arrive at the agreed time and drive away.

Cars can be collected off the street or from the owner’s home.

Founder and chief executive of Zoom EV Greg Fairbotham said: “We have chosen Brighton and Hove as it is one of the key locations for EV take-up in the UK and a city leading the charge against climate change, with an aim to be carbon neutral by 2030. It’s the biggest hotspot of electric vehicle charging points in the South of England and the number of people using EVs in the city continues to increase.

“EVs are more popular than ever and our new platform is giving more people the opportunity to experience modern driving. It is the Airbnb for cars.

“Whether you need a short trip to the shops, a day out with friends or a summer staycation, the platform enables all types of uses as we have privately owned and dealership models listed and available.

“People listing their cars can turn them into cash generators rather than having a depreciating asset sitting stationary on the driveway. It’s a win, win, win for the owner, the user and for the planet.”