The service is said to be the only car-sharing service offering one-way trips with guaranteed parking and started as one of more than 25 experiments that form Ford Smart Mobility.

The pilot experiment launched with 100 registered members accessing zero-emission Ford Focus Electric or low-emission Ford Fiesta 1.0-litre EcoBoost models from secure parking hubs near major public transport locations, such as Waterloo and Victoria railway stations.

Ford is now inviting 2,000 people to register for a free expanded service offering 50 cars across 20 locations, with the fleet consisting of Ford Focus Electric vehicles. The service offers pay-by-minute pricing that covers congestion fees, insurance and fuel plus smartphone app booking and vehicle access.

The testing will be used to gain further insight into user behaviour. Different weekend and day-hire pricing options, and further on- and off-street parking options will be investigated.

Ford also is exploring car-sharing experiments in Germany, India, and the US.