Basingstoke's new green taxi revolution starts with a £5,000 LEVC TX grant for local drivers
Basingstoke and Deane Borough has taken a significant step towards sustainable transport with the introduction of ultra-low carbon hackney carriages.
The first of up to 17 new electric taxis has begun service, marking a milestone in the borough’s efforts to support greener and more accessible travel.
The new vehicles are part of a council-led initiative offering local taxi drivers a £5,000 grant to assist in upgrading to these environmentally friendly cabs. The initiative aims to increase the number of ultra-low emission hackney carriages on the road, which emit 16 times less carbon than traditional diesel taxis. These taxis are fully wheelchair accessible, making them a practical choice for all passengers, including those with mobility issues.
The switch to these modern hackney carriages aligns with the council's broader objectives to enhance air quality and address climate change. Licensed taxi drivers within the borough are encouraged to apply for the grant, enabling them to invest in the electrically powered vehicles manufactured by the London Electric Vehicle Company (LEVC).
These green taxis boast an electric-only range of up to 78 miles. When needed, the on-board petrol generator can extend this range to 333 miles, ensuring drivers can complete longer journeys without difficulty. Recharging is also convenient, with a rapid 50-kilowatt charging point near Basingstoke train station, capable of restoring the vehicle's battery to 80% capacity in just 25 minutes.
Steve Tawton, the first driver to embrace this initiative, has already begun reaping the benefits of his new ultra-low emission taxi.
Tawton said: “It’s getting a really positive reaction from customers who love how quiet it is and the panoramic roof,” he said. “It is really good to drive, a totally different experience compared to my previous vehicle and I’m saving money charging overnight instead of filling up on diesel.”
Cabinet Member for the Climate and Ecological Emergency Cllr Chris Tomblin said: “I welcome to Basingstoke’s taxi ranks the first of what I hope is many new low-carbon hackney carriages under our scheme to get more people travelling in cleaner and greener ways.
“Not only are the emissions from these electrically powered vehicles up to 94% lower than regular diesel taxis, helping to support our aim for a net zero carbon borough by December 2030, but they can also save taxi drivers upwards of £150 a week on fuel too.”
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