A "FIRST-of-its-kind" trial of energy-efficient hydrogen cars funded by the Welsh Government could be given the go-ahead in Monmouthshire.

Powys-based Riversimple Movement has approached Monmouthshire County Council about facilitating a 12-month trial of the 'Rasa', which has a range of 300 miles, refills in five minutes and has "no cost premium" compared with a conventional car.

If the trial is approved at cabinet next week, the firm will supply 20 hand-built hydrogen call cars for the use of residents in the county.

Contracts ranging from three to six months will be offered to between 60 to 80 users of varying ages from within Monmouthshire and surrounding areas.

According to the company's report, the 'Rasa' is the "cleanest and most energy-efficient car yet offered for ordinary road-going use", with the only emission being "a small teaspoon of clean water".

The report adds: "The Monmouth and Riversimple partnership can bring a momentous change in the way mobility is delivered in a sustainable way.

"This trial is the first-of-its-kind in the UK and will be of global interest to the world."

The short distances between towns in the county are also described as being "ideal" for testing the cars, which are designed for local non-motorway use with a max speed of 60mph.

Riversimple was awarded a £2 million grant from the Welsh Government in 2015 to develop the Rasa as well as an EU grant of €2 million.

If plans are given the go-ahead, a self-service mobile refuelling point will be installed in one of the council car parks at Abergavenny or Monmouth.

The council are also recommended to provide secure parking for up to 20 vehicles at Raglan depot.

Riversimple will incur costs of supplying the cars, covering their running costs, the temporary building of an "experience centre" and customer relations.

Riversimple finance director Jeff Loo said: "The opportunity now in this 'new technology age' is to make a momentous change in the way we provide mobility.

"Monmouthshire County Council have a strong forward-thinking council led by a visionary leader and chief executive.

"They have seen the need for a more efficient way of providing mobility within the community and for the citizens of Monmouthshire."

The cabinet meeting is set to take place on Wednesday June 8 at 2pm.