Majority of London taxi drivers back future range-extender cabs over pure electric models, LTDA survey finds
- Perry Richardson
- 22 minutes ago
- 3 min read
A new survey shared by the Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association (LTDA) has revealed overwhelming support among London taxi drivers for range-extended electric taxis over fully electric models, highlighting ongoing concerns around affordability, charging infrastructure and operational practicality within the capital’s trade.
According to the survey graphic released by the LTDA in the TAXI Newspaper, 90% of respondents said they would prefer a “range extended” powertrain similar to the current LEVC TX if a new taxi were designed and developed for London.
Just 10% backed a pure electric model. The poll gathered 2,768 responses.
The findings arrive as the taxi industry continues to debate what the next generation of purpose-built London taxis should look like amid tightening emissions policies and increasing pressure to decarbonise fleets. The current LEVC TX taxi, which uses a battery-electric drivetrain supported by a petrol range extender, has become the dominant vehicle in London’s licensed taxi market since the introduction of the capital’s zero-emission capable requirements in 2018.
Paul Brennan, Chairman of the LTDA, said cost and affordability had not been given enough attention in wider discussions about the future taxi fleet. He suggested the commercial realities facing drivers would ultimately shape adoption rates of any future vehicle technology.
New industry polling suggests affordability and operational flexibility remain decisive factors as drivers weigh the future of London’s black cab fleet.
Brennan said: “One key issue that, in my opinion, has not received enough attention in this debate is cost and affordability. It sits at the centre of every business, including ours. In an ideal world, we would have a purpose-built taxi that every driver could afford. The task now is to figure out how we achieve that.”
He added that reducing upfront purchase costs would be critical, particularly if manufacturers can utilise shared vehicle platforms and components from wider automotive ranges. Brennan pointed specifically to LEVC parent company Geely and its wider manufacturing capability as a possible route to lowering costs.
“A lower on-the-road price would make a significant difference, and if Geely can use more parts from their extended range of vehicles, then I believe this is very achievable,” Brennan said.
Financing costs were also identified as a growing concern for drivers entering or remaining in the trade. Brennan argued that access to low-interest finance packages could prove as important as vehicle pricing itself, particularly at a time when higher borrowing costs are placing additional strain on self-employed drivers.
“Rates closer to zero percent would ease the burden on drivers entering or staying in the trade,” he said. “That support could come from a combination of manufacturers and Transport for London securing the grants that have been discussed.”
The comments may add further weight to industry lobbying efforts aimed at securing additional government or Transport for London support for taxi electrification. Previous grant schemes, including the Plug-in Taxi Grant, have helped offset the higher purchase price of zero-emission capable taxis, although drivers and trade groups have repeatedly warned that rising vehicle costs remain a barrier.
Brennan also indicated he believes LEVC is already assessing what a future London taxi could look like, with range-extender technology still viewed by many drivers as the most commercially viable solution for long-distance urban operation patterns and limited downtime.
“Drivers have spoken. They want a purpose-built taxi. They want a range extender,” Brennan said. “I have no doubt LEVC is looking closely at the next generation of taxis for London and, with the backing of Geely, it has the ability to deliver.”
The survey results are likely to intensify discussion around whether London’s taxi trade is ready for a fully electric-only future, particularly as operational demands, charging access and ownership costs continue to shape fleet decisions across the capital.
