A scheme that allows local residents to use an electric car for £2 an hour has amassed more than 500 members since it was started in 2024.

The TrydaNi car sharing scheme began life in Aberystwyth back in 2024 and since then has spread across the country, with two cars also available for rent in Penrhyncoch, Machynlleth and Llanidloes.

Backed by £1m of Welsh Government funding, the scheme is open to individuals, businesses and non-profit organisations.

Since launching in December 2024, the Aberystwyth club has grown to 99 members, who share access to two electric vehicles, a Vauxhall Combo Life Electric and a Renault Zoe, based at North Road car park in Aberystwyth.

Electric car
Nearly 100 people have signed up to the scheme in Aberystwyth (Welsh Government)

Simon LePine, a member of the Aberystwyth club said: “My wife and I have not owned a car for at least 15 years, so the car is our only access to a vehicle. It allows us to use a car when we need it without worrying about parking, insurance, and all of that other stuff when we don’t need the car.”

The scheme is particularly useful for people in rural areas, where public transport provision can be limited and access to a car may be more essential than for those living in towns and cities.

The Deputy Minister for Transport, Mark Hooper, visited Aberystwyth's TrydaNi car club to see first-hand how Welsh Government funding is helping communities access affordable, zero-emission transport.

TrydaNi
One of the cars available for rent in Penrhyncoch (TrydaNi)

He said: “Car clubs are an easy and affordable way for people to share use of a car without the cost of owning one. I’m so pleased to see the scheme expanding.

“It’s just one of the ways we can help cut carbon emissions and move towards a net zero future. People not only have the option of giving up their own car or a second car but also can benefit from the real-world experience of driving electric without a long-term commitment.”

Cars can be hired on an hourly or daily basis. Members can book and unlock vehicles through the TrydaNi app, with costs starting from £2 per hour (capped at £30) plus 16p per mile for the first 100 miles.

Each club also has an optional WhatsApp group for members, and a dedicated support team is available by phone between 8am and 10pm, seven days a week.

Aberystwyth
The Aberystwyth vehicles are in North Road car park (TrydaNi)

Members can become Community Champions that allows them to earn credits by helping to clean and maintain the vehicles.

Aberystwyth has two vehicles, a Vauxhall Combo Life Electric and a Renault Zoe located in the North Road Car Park.

The club doesn't have a dedicated chargepoint but there's a prepaid card in the vehicle for use with the car park's public charger.

There are two cars at Penrhyn-coch. A Renault Zoe and a Renault Megane, along with dedicated chargepoints at the village hall.

Machynlleth has two vehicles, a Renault Zoe and a Citroen Berlingo, parked next to each other at Dyfi Eco Park next to the train station.

The Llanidloes Car Club has been running since April 2007 and now has two electric vehicles with a dedicated charge point and parking spaces at the community centre.

To learn more visit https://www.trydani.org/