London taxi fleet expert says availability remains largely unchanged as drivers compete for a shrinking pool of highly valued used cabs
- Perry Richardson
- Jul 25
- 2 min read
The shortage of new purpose-built taxis continues to drive strong demand for used vehicles, with drivers increasingly competing for a limited number of secondhand cabs as uncertainty over the next generation of taxis continues.
In the latest Cab You Drive column published in TAXI Newspaper, the writer says there has been little movement in the market despite continued speculation around a successor to the LEVC TX.
Reflecting on the state of the market, the column states: “At present, nothing much has changed in regards to cab availability. Outside of the main dealers there is very little around.”
It suggested that while Brewery Road has “over 100 secondhand TXEs and that they restock as soon as they sell one”, there are “still cabs out there to buy”.
Even so, the speed at which dealers are replenishing stock highlights the strength of demand from London drivers. With virtually no new taxis entering the market, drivers who need to replace or expand their vehicle choices are largely reliant on the used market. That has kept demand for well-maintained TXEs high.
The column also highlights the level of uncertainty surrounding a future taxi model. According to the writer, the question being asked most frequently is: “Is it coming? Will it be pure EV or will it be range-extended? And, crucially, how much will it be?”
That uncertainty is influencing purchasing decisions across the trade fro many cabbies. Many drivers would prefer to wait for details of a new model, particularly one offering potentially improved range or a lower purchase price, but those needing a vehicle now have little option other than the used market.
The column concludes that the industry remains in a holding pattern. “At present, nothing much has changed in regards to cab availability,” it says, adding that “we’re all waiting”.
Until a new taxi is formally announced and reaches production, demand for secondhand black cabs is likely to remain strong and prices high as the existing fleet continues to age and shrink.
