Paris is set to launch a self service electric car hire scheme which is scheduled to be up and running by the end of 2011.

Known as AutoLib, the system will be based on a similar scheme the city introduced three years ago which offers bicycle sharing facilities across the city. The two schemes will hopefully help to improve the air quality in the city by reducing CO2 emissions and pollution levels.

The cars have been designed by the Italian car makers, Pininfarnia, with technology created by a French company, Group Bollore.

The electric car sharing scheme plans to introduce 3,000 battery powered 4-seater cars to the city, situated at 1,200 different points throughout Paris.

The system will be trialled during August and September 2011, with the official launch of the service scheduled for October. If the system goes ahead as planned, it will put Paris on the map as no other city has an electric car sharing scheme on this scale.  

To be eligible to hire an electric car as part of the new AutoLib service in Paris you will need to hold a full valid driver’s licence, and also subscribe to the scheme. Annual subscriptions start from €12 per month, although daily and weekly subscriptions are also available. A deposit of €250 is also required.