Coventry taxi drivers given chance to trial electric LEVC or Dynamo cabs for up to two months
Updated: Mar 19, 2021
The iconic Coventry based LEVC Taxi and the 100% Zero Emission Nissan Dynamo are both being offered for trial to taxi drivers in the region as part of Coventry City Council’s ‘Electric Fleet First’ project.
The trial is free for cabbies, meaning no charges for hire or for insurance. The only cost will be when drivers are charging the vehicle during the trial period.
The Electric Fleet First is a try-before-you-buy scheme and allows drivers to try out a vehicle for up to two months.
The Nissan Leaf will be part of the trial so that the private hire trade can also try-out electric vehicles for themselves.
Cllr O’Boyle, Cabinet Member for Jobs and Regeneration, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for the taxi trade to experience all the benefits that electric vehicles have to offer.
“The electric fleet first trial is about giving local businesses the opportunity to understand more about the long-term benefits of switching to an electric vehicle for their business.”
Cllr O’Boyle added: “With the national lockdowns affecting our trade across the city we want to support our drivers and provide as much incentive as possible to take part in the green movement.”
Cllr Hetherton, Cabinet Member for City Services, said: “I’m delighted that the Council is operating this scheme. We are already increasing our own council fleet of electric bin lorries and other vehicles and we want to show local businesses what can be achieved when we adapt to future sustainable transport.
“We have nine fleet vehicles available for taxi drivers and a further 70 vans and cars for businesses so I’d also encourage local businesses to get in touch.
“We would like to express our thanks to Highways England for funding this project. Our taxi trade can help make Coventry greener by lowering carbon emissions across the city.”
