A TRIAL for hydrogen cars has been given the go-ahead in Monmouthshire.

Monmouthshire County Council (MCC) was approached by Powys company Riversimple about running a 12-month trial of the 'Rasa’, a hydrogen car which has a range of 300 miles, refills in five minutes and has no carbon footprint.

The proposal involves a trial of 20 Riversimple hydrogen fuel cell cars, based from one of two sites in Monmouthshire, with a view to expanding commercially in the region after the trial. Designed and built in Powys, Riversimple say that the Rasa is “possibly the most promising green car in the world”. With the car’s only by-product being water, the vehicles have no carbon footprint.

Trials are likely start at the end of 2016, running for 12 months. Contracts of between three and six months will be offered to between 60 and 80 users, and 20 Rasa cars will be hand built for their use.

Phil Hobson, cabinet member responsible for sustainable development, described the trial as a “unique opportunity” that will draw attention to both the trial and Monmouthshire, while leader of the council Peter Fox described the scheme as a “really interesting concept.”

“For Monmouthshire to be at the forefront and leading in an innovative way is really exciting,” he said. “I’m look forward to trialling these vehicles.”

Deputy leader of MCC Bob Greenland added: “We are a county that looks forward and wants to be innovative and look a few years ahead.

“This is one opportunity that could have a very exciting future.”

A demonstrator car will be at County Hall in Usk on 16th june, where Riversimple will present details about the car.